PRINPAG Calls For Collaboration To Combat Impunity Against Journalists

As the global community observes the 2023 edition of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, the Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG) is advocating effective collaboration among all stakeholders to safeguard the security of all practitioners.

According to the PRINPAG; “collaboration between media houses, government institutions, and civil society is crucial in combating impunity and ensuring the safety and well-being of journalists”.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Acting Executive Secretary and President of PRINPAG, Jeorge Wilson Kingson and Andrew Edwin Arthur respectively.

The statement noted that despite the strides made by Ghana in terms of supporting press freedom, challenges still exist particularly with regards violence and impunity against journalist and reaffirm the association’s believe that journalists must be allowed to perform their constitutional mandate without fear of persecution.

“Ghana has made notable progress in supporting a free and independent press. Nevertheless, we acknowledge that challenges persist, particularly regarding acts of violence and impunity against journalists in Ghana. PRINPAG stands firm in our unwavering belief that, journalists must be allowed to carry out their constitutional mandate without fear of persecution or harm” the statement said.

The body also reiterated its call on the government of Ghana, civil society and the international community to condemn all forms of violence and persecution against journalists in Ghana and help promote a congenial working environment to enhance their journalistic work at all times.

“PRINPAG calls on the Ghanaian government, members of civil society, and the international community to condemn all forms of violence and aggression against journalists, particularly journalists in Ghana. It is vital to promote a safe and enabling environment for journalists to exercise their professional duties freely. This includes implementing effective legal frameworks, ensuring swift and unbiased investigations into any crimes against journalists, and holding the perpetrators accountable”, it noted.

Read the full statement below:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists 2023 – Statement from PRINPAG

Kokomlemle – Accra: The Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG) joins the global community in observing the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists which is observed on November 2 every year.

As part of our commitment to press freedom and the protection of journalists, PRINPAG highlights the importance of ending any form of impunity for crimes targeting media personnel.

This significant day serves as a reminder of the dangers journalists face worldwide while performing their duties to report the truth. It is an occasion to remember and honour the journalists who have lost their lives or faced harassment, intimidation, imprisonment, or violence in the line of duty.

Ghana has made notable progress in supporting a free and independent press. Nevertheless, we acknowledge that challenges persist, particularly regarding acts of violence and impunity against journalists in Ghana. PRINPAG stands firm in our unwavering belief that, journalists must be allowed to carry out their constitutional mandate without fear of persecution or harm.

PRINPAG calls on the Ghanaian government, members of civil society, and the international community to condemn all forms of violence and aggression against journalists, particularly journalists in Ghana. It is vital to promote a safe and enabling environment for journalists to exercise their professional duties freely. This includes implementing effective legal frameworks, ensuring swift and unbiased investigations into any crimes against journalists, and holding the perpetrators accountable.

Furthermore, we urge media organizations, both local and international, to strengthen their support networks and measures to safeguard the safety of journalists. Collaboration between media houses, government institutions, and civil society is crucial in combating impunity and ensuring the safety and well-being of journalists.

On this International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, PRINPAG reaffirms its commitment to advancing press freedom, protecting journalists, and promoting responsible journalism. We stand united in demanding justice for every journalist whose rights have been violated.

The media’s role in a democratic society cannot be overstated, and it is our collective responsibility to protect those who tirelessly work to ensure the public’s right to information. We call upon everyone to actively promote press freedom and hold accountable those who seek to silence the voices of truth.

Long Live the media fraternity in Ghana!

• END –

About PRINPAG:
The Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG) is the leading association representing private newspapers and online news publishers in Ghana. Our mission is to promote press freedom, defend the rights of media professionals, and uphold the highest standards of journalism in the country.

Media Contact:

Jeorge Wilson Kingson
Ag. Executive Secretary

Andrew Edwin Arthur
President

By: Christian Kpesese/www.eagleghana.com