Be courageous – Ghanaian media told

Professor Lewis Smith of  Praire View University, Texas (United States), has urged the media in Ghana to be courageous and truthful in the performance of their duties.

He has also observed that though journalists have the freedom to comment on the work of the Judiciary, it must be done within the confines of the law.

Prof Smith was speaking at a public lecture organised by the African University College of Communications (AUCC) as part of its Press Freedom Lecture series in Accra.

Prof. Smith who spoke on the topic: “American Perspective and the significance of a free and vibrant media”, stated that free speech is a basic human right.

He said even though in America freedom of speech has been guaranteed in the First Amendment, it does not give absolute rights.

He urged the Ghanaian media not to focus only on political issues but to use the freedom at its disposal to promote development in areas such as education, health, water and sanitation.

Prof Smith also stated that having a Freedom of Information Act was good for democracy since it would ensure transparency and accountability, as well as access to vital public information.

He, however, stated that merely obtaining that Law would not mean journalists would have unfettered access to whatever information they want, and that issues bordering on national security, research secrets, trade and patent rights would still have to be protected by the government.

Prof Smith said citizens’ participation in any democratic system of governance was critical, adding that freedom of speech serves as a check on the government.

He further stated that journalists must continue to acquire knowledge and be circumspect in their utterances so as not to defame people’s hard-won reputations.

Prof Smith commended Ghanaians for keeping the government on its toes, and remarked that “The Ghanaian media is doing exceptionally well”.

Source: GNA