Takoradi, April 25, GNA - Western Regional branch of Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) on Friday called on media practitioners to respect and operate within the law especially during the election year.

The call was contained in a statement issued in and signed by Mr George Naykene, Western Regional Chairman in Takoradi to commemorate this year's World Press Day which falls on Saturday, May 3.

The theme for this year's celebration is "Freedom of the Press: Empowerment and Participation of the People".

"Media workers should not violate existing laws but work hard to ensure a free, fair and transparent coverage of the elections," it added.

The statement called on Journalists to ensure objective, critical and timely information on issues in the country for the people to demand accountability from Government, Parliamentarians and assembly members. It noted that in 2007, 171 Journalists were killed around the world while others were threatened and imprisoned.

"These are detrimental to the growth of good governance, democracy and limits access to information by the people," it added.