GJA unhappy with Parliament’s position on ratings

The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has expressed concern over Parliament’s decision to question the legitimacy of the Africa Watch Magazine over its recent ratings of parliamentarians and the House’s decision to summon the editor before it.

A statement signed by Mr Ransford Tetteh, GJA’s President and copied to the Ghana News Agency on Sunday said: “…the GJA thinks the House’s mode of seeking clarification of the methodology adopted by the magazine through summoning its editor before the Privileges Committee as rather intimidating and not in the spirit of the Ghanaian Constitution.

It said the constitution categorically states in Article 162 (4) that “Editors and publishers of newspapers and other institutions of the mass media shall not be subject to control or interference by government, nor shall they be penalized or harassed for their editorial opinions and views, or the content of their publications”.

The statement said the GJA extends its highest compliments and wishes to congratulate Madam Speaker on her service to democracy and added that the Association also understands the anger by the MPs against the publication.

However, it said, GJA was of the view that Parliament has overreacted in the matter and wish to recommend that the House send a rejoinder to the magazine and additionally, explore avenues for a dialogue with the Editor on how it feels such a rating should be conducted to make it acceptable to all and sundry including MPs.”

The statement said the National Media Commission could be the mediator in a dialogue with the Africa Watch magazine with the Editors Forum, and the GJA as observers in order to reach an amicable settlement.

Source: GNA