Ghana’s journey towards a comprehensive legislative framework for its broadcasting sector has been long and complex.
The bill was drafted in 2019 in response to public demand for a law to regulate broadcasting, which has tackled issues such as unprofessional interests, fake miracle workers and the spread of misinformation.
About the bill
The bill aims to provide a clearly defined structure for broadcasting services, regulated by National Media Commission (NMC) and National Communications Authority (NCA), aligning with the constitutional provisions that ensure the freedom and responsibility of the media.
Designated Minister of Information of Ghana Fatimato Abubakar revealed that the the draft law on broadcasting is ready and will soon be submitted to Parliament.
What they say
Designated Minister of Information Fatimato Abubakar stated, “I know many are concerned about our continued poor performance on the economic indicator used by Reporters Without Borders. In this light, the President and former Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, lobbied for Ghana to host the office of the International Fund for Public Interest Media, so that the Ghanaian media can use their proximity to seek support” .
Because it matters
The Broadcasting Bill is important for a number of reasons. First, it promises to bring clarity and order to the broadcasting space in Ghana. With the proliferation of media, there has been an imperative need for regulations that ensure content quality, promote ethical standards and protect consumer interests.
The bill is expected to address these issues, thereby enhancing the credibility and professionalism of the media sector.
Second, the bill is seen as a tool to ensure media independence while ensuring accountability. By setting clear guidelines on ownership, funding and operations, it seeks to prevent undue influence and conflicts of interest that could jeopardize journalistic integrity.
In addition, the bill has the potential to clean up the airwaves, which have sometimes been filled with content that does not meet the highest standards of public taste and decency. This is especially important in an era where misinformation can spread quickly, affecting public opinion and national security.
Zoom in
The government’s commitment to table the bill before Parliament has been welcomed by various stakeholders, including media professionals and civil society organisations. The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) called for the passage of the bill, underscoring its importance in strengthening the role of the media in governance and development.
The bill also reflects Ghana’s commitment to improving the working conditions and safety of journalists. Training programs and engagements with security services and the judiciary are steps taken to ensure that media personnel can work without fear of harassment or violence.
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