No anti-media laws under my watch - Bagbin assures journalists
Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has pledged to protect press freedom in Ghana. At a recent event, he addressed concerns that laws regulating digital communications are being misused to target journalists. Bagbin also promised a review of existing legislation seen as a threat to media independence.
The meeting brought together journalists who described facing arrests, interrogations, and legal challenges over their work. Many linked these actions to online articles or social media posts. Their accounts highlighted growing fears about the use of laws to harass reporters.
Interior Minister Henry Quartey attended the discussions, which focused on balancing security with free expression. Bagbin stressed that no new laws would be introduced to suppress journalism during his tenure. He also recognised the need to safeguard both national security and media freedom in Ghana’s democracy.
The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) restated its stance that legal enforcement must not weaken constitutional protections for the press. Bagbin echoed this concern, promising to examine current laws that threaten journalistic work.
Bagbin’s commitments aim to reassure media professionals in Ghana. The review of problematic legislation could reduce the risks journalists face while performing their duties. The government’s next steps will determine whether these pledges lead to concrete changes in press freedom protections.
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