(Free Expression Ghana/IFEX) – The following is a statement released on 1 June 1999 by the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) in reaction to the fine imposed on the “Ghanaian Chronicle”: **Updates IFEX alert of 1 June 1999** The Ghana Journalists Association has learnt with a great deal of dismay and concern of the unprecedented record […]
(Free Expression Ghana/IFEX) – The following is a statement released on 1
June 1999 by the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) in reaction to the fine
imposed on the “Ghanaian Chronicle”:
**Updates IFEX alert of 1 June 1999**
The Ghana Journalists Association has learnt with a great deal of dismay and
concern of the unprecedented record fine of 42 million cedis against the
Ghanaian Chronicle in the libel case brought against the paper by Mr. Edward
Salia, Minister of Roads and Transport.
From our research, this is the first time in the history of Ghana that a
court of the land has imposed such a high fine on a newspaper for libel.
The GJA has always promoted and advocated a policy of media accountability
and responsibility. In this regard we have never lacked the courage to be
self-critical of our profession, but we also hold the view that all agencies
or institutions of democracy, the executive, judiciary and legislature, in
their relations with the fourth estate of the realm, the press, should not
pursue and adopt measures or policies that would destroy the press, an
important pillar of good governance.
In this regard, we deem the 42 million cedis fine against the Ghanaian
Chronicle as too harsh and severe. Considering the precarious existence of
the press in contemporary times, this record fine constitutes a threat to
press freedom, pluralism and diversity which should not be lost on Ghanaian
society.
We wish to use this occasion to urge institutions of our democracy like the
judiciary to dispense justice to all parties in a manner that will not
undermine and destroy fundamental structures of good governance like the
press whilst fulfilling their obligation to uphold the rights of
individuals.
Signed by Mrs Gifty Affenyi-Dadzie (President)
