The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) congratulates the newly constituted National Media Commission (NMC) and challenges it to be more assertive in promoting media freedoms as mandated by the 1992 Constitution.
While Ghana’s media landscape is considered generally free, there are fundamental challenges with media professionalism, independence of the state-owned media and impunity in violations against journalists in the country.
As constitutionally mandated, the NMC’s work is to promote and ensure media freedom, independence and highest journalistic standards. The MFWA believes that despite the perennial resource challenges, the Commission can effectively contribute to achieving these in collaboration with other stakeholders to ensure that the media contribute positively to Ghana’s democracy and development.
On our part, the MFWA will continue to work with the new Commission to improve the media environment in the country.
“As a Foundation committed to media freedoms, professionalism and development, the MFWA considers the NMC as one of its key stakeholders. We will thus continue to work with the new Commission to improve the media landscape in the country. We encourage others in the media fraternity to do same for our common good,” Executive Director of the MFWA, Sulemana Braimah said.
The MFWA once again congratulates all the 18 members of the new Commission. The Foundation is particularly happy about the election of veteran journalist and media freedom activist, Kwasi Gyan-Apenteng, as Chairman of the new Commission.
“Having worked with him in a number of media activities, and knowing the depth of his experience and passion for media professionalism, we believe that Mr Gyan-Apenteng will contribute positively to media development and press freedom in Ghana,” Braimah added.
The MFWA is also grateful to the immediate past Chairman of the NMC, Amb. Kabral Blay-Amihere for successfully serving his term and contributing to media development in the country.