Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has assured the media fraternity that no law would be passed to stifle the work of journalists while he remains in charge of the affairs of the legislature.
In a speech read on his behalf by the Member of Parliament for La Dade-Kotopon and Deputy Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs Rita Naa Odoley Sowah at the 3rd Annual Dinner Night of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) in Accra on Monday, the Speaker acknowledged fears within the media landscape that laws intended to regulate digital communications were increasingly being used to harass and intimidate journalists and undermine their work.
The Speaker, who has been in the Chamber since the inception of the Fourth Republic in 1993, added that existing legislation that poses a threat to press freedom would also be reviewed.
The assurance comes amid growing concerns over the use of electronic communications laws to threaten the work of media practitioners.
During the event, several journalists shared accounts of arrests, interrogations, and legal actions linked to online publications and social media commentary arising directly from their professional work.
The Ghana Journalists Association reiterated its long-held position that while ethical and responsible journalism remains non-negotiable, regulatory frameworks must not erode the constitutional guarantees that protect press freedom.
Mr Bagbin stressed the need to strike a careful balance between safeguarding national security and upholding freedom of expression, emphasising that a free, independent, and fearless media remains a vital pillar of Ghana’s democratic governance.
The dinner night, which brought together journalists, lawmakers, and key stakeholders, ended with renewed calls for sustained dialogue and collaboration to ensure electronic communications laws are applied in ways that protect journalists and strengthen the country’s democratic culture.