Ghana: Former President hails historic repeal of the criminal libel law

Ghana’s former President, John Agyekum Kufuor, on August 10, 2010 said that history had vindicated his government for the repeal of the criminal libel and sedition laws that were used to jail journalists and perceived political opponents.

Addressing journalists and media executives at a gathering to mark nine years of the repeal of the law, President Kufuor hailed the decision saying: “We haven’t regretted it at all. We believe quadrupling of investments within months of the repeal is ample testimony that we did a good thing,”

The forum was organised by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) to provide a platform for President Kufuor to offer his experiences during his eight-year rule dealing with a media without the criminal and sedition laws.

The forum on the theme :“Government-Media Relations in a Developing Democracy” was also to announce a national conference slated for 2010 on repressive laws such as  “publishing false news with intent to cause fear or harm to the public or to disturb the public peace”, as stated in Section 208 of the country's Criminal Code of 1960. 

The former Ghanaian leader said “Ghana has become the beacon of hope for the rest of the world, which is why we need to nurture our teething democracy through good governance and exemplary leadership”.

He advised the media, often referred to as the fourth estate, to reciprocate this gesture of the executive by upholding high journalistic standards.

Issued by MFWA on August 11, 2010

 The MFWA is a regional independent, non-profit, non-governmental organization based in Accra. It was founded in 1997 to defend and promote the rights and freedom of the media and all forms of expression.

For more information please contact:

Kwame Karikari (Prof)
Executive Director
MFWA
Accra
Tel: 233-30-22 4 24 70
Fax: 233-302-22 10 84
Email: mfwa@africaonline.com.ghThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , alerts@mediafound.orgThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website: www.mediafound.org

- August 12, 2010 by Media Foundation For West Africa

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Source: www.mediafound.org/index.php  (accessed on 16.08.2010)