By Jeorge Wilson KINGSON
The members of the Parliamentary Press Corps (PPC), which consists of journalists and media personnel who report from Parliament, are vigorously in search of funding to finance their programmes, and have therefore appealed to corporate institutions and individuals to come to their aid.
The PPC, which is in its 16th year of formation, has contributed immensely in deepening the country’s democracy by ensuring fair, accurate and unbiased reportage, thereby creating a niche for itself as one of the vibrant affiliates of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA).
The corps has on several occasions received praises from both sides of the House, as well as the Parliamentary Service Board, for their role in entrenching parliamentary democracy.
This is evident in a recent comment by the Clerk to Parliament, Emmanuel Anyimadu, who said “the nation, particularly Parliament, therefore owes the media an immense gratitude. In the words of Archimedes, ‘those who are able to see afar do so because they stand on the shoulders of some giants’ You are some of the giants on whose shoulders Ghana’s Parliament stands to excel as a model for the African continent.”
Despite all these, members of the corps have to struggle to file their reports from the House on daily basis, as they have no office to operate from. What they have is a glass cubicle, about 7x7 in size. Even that it is not equipped except for a table, a chair, an old cabinet and a disconnected telephone line.
Modern equipment such as computers, fax machines and internet services are clearly missing. Journalists have to continuously rely on the generosity and kindness of some staff of Parliament to wire their stories to their various stations. It is very common to see broadcast journalists hanging around the uncompleted ‘Job 600’ building or trooping to the Osu Cemetery area for a serene atmosphere so they can file their stories live. In most cases sitting is in progress and by the time they return a lot might have happened in their absence. Thus through no fault of theirs they are often blamed for misreporting or missing the story angle. This is strange compared to what happens in parliaments elsewhere.
The less said about the difficulties in assessing documents on time for stories the better, not to talk about researching on a particular issue by journalists. In some cases, media personnel had to break rules and enter out-of-bound areas, such as the printing room, where photocopies of documents are done. But even that they have become used to the phrase “We have run out of paper” by the officials of the Parliamentary Service.
In cases of extended sitting where journalists are privileged to be served with food, it is very common to see them carrying food in polythene bags and walking all over the place, looking for corners and shades to sit under. This is mainly because they do not have any place to sit and dine. They are not allowed to sit on the mostly empty seats that parliamentary committees use for their meetings which also serve as dining table for members of parliament (MP).
Until recently, Parliament as an institution had no hand in building the capacity of journalists, even though it is the number one beneficiary of the work or output of the members of the Parliamentary Press Corps. Even on the three occasions that the Office of Parliament sponsored a training workshop the number of participants were very limited.
Only 35 out of the over 77 members of the press corps were selected to participate in the last Parliament-sponsored training workshop for journalists, a concern that caused the dean of the corps, Andrew Edwin Arthur, to ask a very fundamental question that is still searching for an answer.
“Today, we have assembled here for this important workshop, only 35 out of our total membership of about 77 and still counting more, so the question, how do we impart same knowledge to our brothers and sisters who did not get the opportunity to be here?”
As usual, the Office of Parliament claimed it was constrained to limit the number due to inadequate budgetary support. It is on this bit that Arthur prayed the Office of Parliament to look for other sources of funding or better still seek other avenues to train these journalists who were deselected so as to bring them also in line with the corps’ resolve to improving parliamentary reporting in the country.
While on this bit, it is worth noting the efforts of some democratic institutions in Ghana in supporting the Parliamentary Press Corps in its capacity building efforts. Key institutions such as the Office of the Administrator of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF), the Lands Administration Project (LAP), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Ministry of Finance (MoF) among others will forever remain in the good books of the PPC.
Just recently, with support of the Canadian Parliamentary Centre (CPC), about five members of the PPC visited the Ontario Legislative Assembly in Canada on a two-week study visit.
Led by the dean of the corps, Andrew Edwin Arthur, the delegation met with the Speaker and Clerk of the Ontario Legislature and held discussions on how best to help Ghana’s press corps to improve on the discharge of its core mandate.
Ghana’s delegation managed to strike a deal with their Canadian counterparts for an exchange programme, and this has already received the necessary approvals from the appropriate quarters and arrangements are already far fetched for the first delegation of seven to move from Ghana in December of this year.
“What this means is that, starting from December this year, we should be able to send seven of our members on an attachment in the form of an exchange programme to the Ontario Legislative Assembly for a period of about one month, and they would in turn do same,” Arthur stated last week when he briefed members of the corps about the outcome of the trip.
He noted that the deal falls in line with the vision of the current executives of the PPC to give their entire membership international exposure and to equip them with the skills and knowledge to be abreast with the changing trends in parliamentary reporting.
As elating as the news is however, the corps is currently mind rumbling about how to secure funding to finance its part of the agreement of accommodating and feeding seven Canadian journalists for about a month. Members of the PPC have therefore been tasked to use their mediums to seek funding to enable this noble vision to come to fruition.
Starting this Monday also, the Canadian Parliamentary Centre and the World Bank Institute, are collaborating with the Parliamentary Press Corps for a video conference training programme, which is further aimed at building the capacity of members of the PPC in parliamentary reporting.
According to Arthur, “The corps plays a very crucial role in deepening parliamentary democracy and good governance in Ghana, but we operate under very severe constraints, notable among them are lack of telephones to transmit our reports, lack of access to computers and lack of access to the internet.
These and other myriad of constraints militating against us have contributed in no small measure in affecting our performance. While urging my colleagues to always endeavour to approach their work with professionalism, let me humbly call on the Office of Parliament to ensure that we are at least comfortable,” he pleaded.
The President of the GJA, Ransford Tetteh, urged the parliamentary reporters to endeavour to be professional and committed to their call to make their reportage credible and relevant.
“From all indications, experience is so vital in the coverage of Parliament and it is for this reason that the GJA wishes to appeal to media houses to keep their reporters on the parliamentary beat as long as possible to enable them to acquire the necessary experience which tremendously enhances specialization process,” Tetteh stated.
He hinted at the association’s intentions to honour parliamentary reporters who excel during GJA’s awards for excellence in journalism.
“Our democracy has come of age and it is essential to recognize journalists who have made the greatest contribution to the promotion of parliamentary democracy in the country,” he said.
While expressing the hope that the award for parliamentary reporting will be included in the 2009 GJA awards slated for August 2010, he also expressed worry about funding for the awards and prayed the Parliamentary Service to assist in that endeavour.
Dawuro.com learnt that it was lack of funds that prevented the corps from being awarded the parliamentary beat last year.
Corporate institutions and individuals are therefore kindly requested to assist the PPC in cash or kind so they can continue to contribute their quota in building Ghana’s democracy.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Press Freedom: France overtaken by Ghana
The new international press freedom index, from Reporters Without Borders (RSF), confirms a sound democratic well being among a group of African countries. This is against a backdrop of many European democracies who, by virtue of this index, are losing their grip on press freedom, one of the premier pillars of the principle of democracy.
France finds itself in the 43rd position this year, behind Ghana and three other young African democracies. Despite this encouraging data among African countries, the general situation of press freedom on the continent is still far from impressive.
Is France still a model of press freedom? Not so sure, judging from the new press freedom index released by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) last Tuesday. France, a historical force to reckon with is — as far as human rights is concerned — 43rd in the standings, just ahead of Cape Verde (44th) and far behind budding African democracies including Ghana, Mali, South Africa and Namibia, in 27th , 30th, 33rd and 35th positions respectively. According to RSP, these countries are among some of the most respectful of press freedom, worldwide. RSF insists that democracy is built on solid foundations and that freedom is guaranteed in the 5 African countries that appear among the top 50 on their index.
Continuing its progressive slump from 2002, when the first RSF index on press freedom was released, France lost 8 points this year after an equally unimpressive 2008 rankings. In 2002, France was number 11. Since then, Journalists have found themselves “summoned by the police" while been "forced to reveal their sources,” regrets Jean-Francois Julliard, Secretary General of RSF. "The interference of political authorities, including the Head of State, Nicolas Sarkozy” is also pinned in the RSF report.
Although significant progress has been made in recent years in Africa (at the expense of several traditionally democratic European nations like France, Italy or Spain), the overall state of freedom of press is still worrying on the continent. Madagascar, which was the scene of a violent political upheaval this year, lost 40 points, as it nosedived into the 134th position. The Congo, where the opposition journalist Bruno Jacquet Ossébi died under murky circumstances, also falls 24 points to 116th position.
Guinea, where a demonstration was violently suppressed last September 28, remains at the 100th place. Niger, recently suspended from the Economic Community of African States (ECOWAS) following a highly contested legislative elections declined 9 points, setting camp at a dismal 139th position. Surprisingly, Robert Mugabe’s Zimbabwe (136th), following the renowned journalist, Jestina Mukoko’s kidnapping and eventual imprisonment, gains 15 points! RSF indicates that, an announcement by the government of national unity, this summer, to return the BBC, CNN and the Independent daily newspaper, The Daily News (...) has brought some hope. Mauritania, where General Ould Abdel Aziz’s election went smoothly in July 2009, has assembled a few points. Not surprisingly, Sudan (148th), Rwanda (157th), Equatorial Guinea (158th), Somalia (164th) and Eritrea (175th), fought for bottom spots.
North Africa falls
North Africa has seen a marked decline in press freedom in recent years and is hardly better off. Algeria lost 20 points in one year, sporting the 141st place. Morocco descended to 127th position, down five points. It must be noted that this year, the northern African kingdom banned and seized newspapers while slapping media houses and journalists with lawsuits. Tunisia, where President Ben Ali has won a 5th consecutive term, got the prize of the worst country for press freedom in North Africa.
The 2009 international press freedom index, was put together by RSF, between September 1 2008 and 1 September 2009. Data collection involved a questionnaire, which identified some 40 points, ranging from attacks against journalists (murders, imprisonment, assault, threats, disappearances, monitoring, etc..) to various forms of pressure that may be exerted on the Media (fines, censures, seizures, searches, advertising boycotts, etc..).
Source:
afrik
France finds itself in the 43rd position this year, behind Ghana and three other young African democracies. Despite this encouraging data among African countries, the general situation of press freedom on the continent is still far from impressive.
Is France still a model of press freedom? Not so sure, judging from the new press freedom index released by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) last Tuesday. France, a historical force to reckon with is — as far as human rights is concerned — 43rd in the standings, just ahead of Cape Verde (44th) and far behind budding African democracies including Ghana, Mali, South Africa and Namibia, in 27th , 30th, 33rd and 35th positions respectively. According to RSP, these countries are among some of the most respectful of press freedom, worldwide. RSF insists that democracy is built on solid foundations and that freedom is guaranteed in the 5 African countries that appear among the top 50 on their index.
Continuing its progressive slump from 2002, when the first RSF index on press freedom was released, France lost 8 points this year after an equally unimpressive 2008 rankings. In 2002, France was number 11. Since then, Journalists have found themselves “summoned by the police" while been "forced to reveal their sources,” regrets Jean-Francois Julliard, Secretary General of RSF. "The interference of political authorities, including the Head of State, Nicolas Sarkozy” is also pinned in the RSF report.
Although significant progress has been made in recent years in Africa (at the expense of several traditionally democratic European nations like France, Italy or Spain), the overall state of freedom of press is still worrying on the continent. Madagascar, which was the scene of a violent political upheaval this year, lost 40 points, as it nosedived into the 134th position. The Congo, where the opposition journalist Bruno Jacquet Ossébi died under murky circumstances, also falls 24 points to 116th position.
Guinea, where a demonstration was violently suppressed last September 28, remains at the 100th place. Niger, recently suspended from the Economic Community of African States (ECOWAS) following a highly contested legislative elections declined 9 points, setting camp at a dismal 139th position. Surprisingly, Robert Mugabe’s Zimbabwe (136th), following the renowned journalist, Jestina Mukoko’s kidnapping and eventual imprisonment, gains 15 points! RSF indicates that, an announcement by the government of national unity, this summer, to return the BBC, CNN and the Independent daily newspaper, The Daily News (...) has brought some hope. Mauritania, where General Ould Abdel Aziz’s election went smoothly in July 2009, has assembled a few points. Not surprisingly, Sudan (148th), Rwanda (157th), Equatorial Guinea (158th), Somalia (164th) and Eritrea (175th), fought for bottom spots.
North Africa falls
North Africa has seen a marked decline in press freedom in recent years and is hardly better off. Algeria lost 20 points in one year, sporting the 141st place. Morocco descended to 127th position, down five points. It must be noted that this year, the northern African kingdom banned and seized newspapers while slapping media houses and journalists with lawsuits. Tunisia, where President Ben Ali has won a 5th consecutive term, got the prize of the worst country for press freedom in North Africa.
The 2009 international press freedom index, was put together by RSF, between September 1 2008 and 1 September 2009. Data collection involved a questionnaire, which identified some 40 points, ranging from attacks against journalists (murders, imprisonment, assault, threats, disappearances, monitoring, etc..) to various forms of pressure that may be exerted on the Media (fines, censures, seizures, searches, advertising boycotts, etc..).
Source:
afrik
Friday, April 24, 2009
Press Release
We of the Progressive Journalists Union of Ghana (ProJUG) would like to express our regret at the acts of violence being meted out to journalists in the country, particularly our members.
Two of our members who were in the company of officials from the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) were last Wednesday attacked by security personnel at the former president John Agyekum Kufuor’s house. Though the ex-president’s spokesperson has rendered an apology, it is in our view that verbal apologies are nothing if they do not come with a change of heart.
Sincerely, this is not the first time journalists have suffered brutalization in the hands of security details associated with the New Patriotic Party (NPP). We recall that not too long ago, (during the heat of the 2008 general elections) some members of ProJUG, including the Ag. Vice President, were seriously attacked by the personal body guards of Nana Akufo Addo at his residence, when all they seek was to do their job. Police report was made but no action has been taken yet.
We wish to state that it is time political parties and their leaders in this country, especially the NPP, bring its security apparatus to order and to let them know that the media plays a very important role in building the democracy of this country. Ghana’s democracy is still fragile and the frequent occurrence of such attacks on journalists will mar it.
We state here that last week’s assault on the reporters of the Financial Intelligence newspaper, the Ghanaian Voice newspaper and Radio Gold must be condemned by all lovers of democracy and friends of the media.
We are also demanding an unqualified apology from the security forces especially the police for their attacks on us. We are also calling on the authorities to seriously take up the matter and investigate it so the culprits involved can be brought to book.
We believe that the lackadaisical behavior of the law enforcers to enforce the law motivates people with sinister motives to engage in criminal acts.
In any case, it is against the human rights law to subject anybody to physical attack whether the person is found guilty of a crime or not.
That not withstanding we find it very worrying when sections of the media rejoice over the incident instead of condemning it. We believe it is unethical for a media house to question what a journalist (irrespective of his media affiliation) was doing at the scene. It is ill-advised that a media house will rejoice over such an incidence and quickly jump to tag the journalists involved as political party activists. We have come a long way and we must grow up to live up to expectation.
We however call on journalists to also exercise restraints in their endeavours to ensure peace.
Sgnd.
Ag. General Secretary
Kofi Ahovi
Two of our members who were in the company of officials from the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) were last Wednesday attacked by security personnel at the former president John Agyekum Kufuor’s house. Though the ex-president’s spokesperson has rendered an apology, it is in our view that verbal apologies are nothing if they do not come with a change of heart.
Sincerely, this is not the first time journalists have suffered brutalization in the hands of security details associated with the New Patriotic Party (NPP). We recall that not too long ago, (during the heat of the 2008 general elections) some members of ProJUG, including the Ag. Vice President, were seriously attacked by the personal body guards of Nana Akufo Addo at his residence, when all they seek was to do their job. Police report was made but no action has been taken yet.
We wish to state that it is time political parties and their leaders in this country, especially the NPP, bring its security apparatus to order and to let them know that the media plays a very important role in building the democracy of this country. Ghana’s democracy is still fragile and the frequent occurrence of such attacks on journalists will mar it.
We state here that last week’s assault on the reporters of the Financial Intelligence newspaper, the Ghanaian Voice newspaper and Radio Gold must be condemned by all lovers of democracy and friends of the media.
We are also demanding an unqualified apology from the security forces especially the police for their attacks on us. We are also calling on the authorities to seriously take up the matter and investigate it so the culprits involved can be brought to book.
We believe that the lackadaisical behavior of the law enforcers to enforce the law motivates people with sinister motives to engage in criminal acts.
In any case, it is against the human rights law to subject anybody to physical attack whether the person is found guilty of a crime or not.
That not withstanding we find it very worrying when sections of the media rejoice over the incident instead of condemning it. We believe it is unethical for a media house to question what a journalist (irrespective of his media affiliation) was doing at the scene. It is ill-advised that a media house will rejoice over such an incidence and quickly jump to tag the journalists involved as political party activists. We have come a long way and we must grow up to live up to expectation.
We however call on journalists to also exercise restraints in their endeavours to ensure peace.
Sgnd.
Ag. General Secretary
Kofi Ahovi
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
INVITATION
Progressive Journalists Union of Ghana (ProJUG) kindly invites you to a meeting on
Saturday February 14, 2009.
Venue: old press centre near Tinafi behind Odo rice.
Time: 12:30pm-2:00pm.
Your participation in this meeting is crucial to the welfare of all journalists in Ghana.
See you there.
Call 0243 66 36 50 or 0244 822 034
ProJUG! In the interest of the profession.
Saturday February 14, 2009.
Venue: old press centre near Tinafi behind Odo rice.
Time: 12:30pm-2:00pm.
Your participation in this meeting is crucial to the welfare of all journalists in Ghana.
See you there.
Call 0243 66 36 50 or 0244 822 034
ProJUG! In the interest of the profession.
Friday, January 16, 2009
PROGRESSIVE JOURNALISTS UNION OF GHANA (PRO-JUG) CONGRATULATES PROF. MILLS
PRESS RELEASE
PROGRESSIVE JOURNALISTS UNION OF GHANA (PRO-JUG) CONGRATULATES PROF. MILLS
The Progressive Journalists Union of Ghana (Pro-JUG) wishes to congratulate Professor John Evans Atta Mills and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) on their victory in the just ended 2008 general elections.
We of Pro-JUG commend the president elect and the NDC for their composure during the entire election and would like to advise the NDC supporters that in celebrating the victory of the party they should not indulge in any act that might provoke their opponents.
We also commend the leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and their supporters for their self-control during the elections.
Once again the Electoral Commission (EC) has proven that it is very independent and capable of handling any electoral challenge. We particularly commend Dr. Kwadwo Afari-Gyan for exercising in professionalism in ensuring that our beloved Ghana had a more transparent, free and fair election.
We also congratulate the media, security agencies and all observer groups for a good job done.
Finally, irrespective of the isolated skirmishes recorded, Ghanaians must be praised once again for well-behaving in an electioneering period.
Again Ghana has proven to the continent and the entire world that democracy and the rule of law can be practiced in Africa.
Kofi Ahovi
Ag. Gen. Sec.
0243 66 36 50
PROGRESSIVE JOURNALISTS UNION OF GHANA (PRO-JUG) CONGRATULATES PROF. MILLS
The Progressive Journalists Union of Ghana (Pro-JUG) wishes to congratulate Professor John Evans Atta Mills and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) on their victory in the just ended 2008 general elections.
We of Pro-JUG commend the president elect and the NDC for their composure during the entire election and would like to advise the NDC supporters that in celebrating the victory of the party they should not indulge in any act that might provoke their opponents.
We also commend the leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and their supporters for their self-control during the elections.
Once again the Electoral Commission (EC) has proven that it is very independent and capable of handling any electoral challenge. We particularly commend Dr. Kwadwo Afari-Gyan for exercising in professionalism in ensuring that our beloved Ghana had a more transparent, free and fair election.
We also congratulate the media, security agencies and all observer groups for a good job done.
Finally, irrespective of the isolated skirmishes recorded, Ghanaians must be praised once again for well-behaving in an electioneering period.
Again Ghana has proven to the continent and the entire world that democracy and the rule of law can be practiced in Africa.
Kofi Ahovi
Ag. Gen. Sec.
0243 66 36 50
THE PROGRESSIVE JOURNALISTS UNION OF GHANA (PRO-JUG) CONDEMNS ATTACKS ON JOURNALISTS
PRESS RELEASE
The Progressive Journalists Union of Ghana (Pro-JUG) would like to condemn acts of violence meted out on journalists both members and non-members of the union by persons believed to be supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
The Vice President of the union, Mr. Jeorge Wilson Kingson, and other members of the association were beaten by supporters of the NPP on December 31, 2008 at Nana Akufo Addo’s, East Legon residence.
Their crime was that they have overtly declared their support for Professor John Evans Atta Mills and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and therefore must not be seen anywhere near an NPP funtion. Irrespective of whether they are officially assigned or not
Other journalists whose media houses have in one way or the other made mention of Professor John Evans Atta Mills and or the NDC of winning the election were maltreated, heckled or beaten.
In our opinion, the frequent occurrence of such acts under a regime and a leadership that boast so much of impressive human rights records must be condemned by all. We share in the believe that democracy thrives more in a society where the media is very much independent, irrespective of the season or time.
It is therefore heart warming to hear that the general secretary of the NPP, Nana Ohene Ntow, has come out categorically to condemn the acts.
It is our hope that the party will take measures to ensure that such acts are not repeated in future.
Kofi Ahovi
Ag. Gen. Sec.
0243663650
The Progressive Journalists Union of Ghana (Pro-JUG) would like to condemn acts of violence meted out on journalists both members and non-members of the union by persons believed to be supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
The Vice President of the union, Mr. Jeorge Wilson Kingson, and other members of the association were beaten by supporters of the NPP on December 31, 2008 at Nana Akufo Addo’s, East Legon residence.
Their crime was that they have overtly declared their support for Professor John Evans Atta Mills and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and therefore must not be seen anywhere near an NPP funtion. Irrespective of whether they are officially assigned or not
Other journalists whose media houses have in one way or the other made mention of Professor John Evans Atta Mills and or the NDC of winning the election were maltreated, heckled or beaten.
In our opinion, the frequent occurrence of such acts under a regime and a leadership that boast so much of impressive human rights records must be condemned by all. We share in the believe that democracy thrives more in a society where the media is very much independent, irrespective of the season or time.
It is therefore heart warming to hear that the general secretary of the NPP, Nana Ohene Ntow, has come out categorically to condemn the acts.
It is our hope that the party will take measures to ensure that such acts are not repeated in future.
Kofi Ahovi
Ag. Gen. Sec.
0243663650
Pro-JUG SUPPORTS PROF. MILLS
SPEECH READ BY MR. RICHARD ADINKRA OF PROGRESSIVE JOURNALISTS UNION OF GHANA (PRO-JUG) ON THE DECLARATION OF SUPPORT FOR THE NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC CONGRESS (NDC), HELD ON THE 18TH DECEMBER 2008 AT BUSY INTERNET AUDITORIUM.
Colleague members of the Media,
Ladies and Gentlemen
All protocols observed,
It is my pleasure to welcome you on behalf of the PROGRESSIVE JOURNALISTS UNION OF GHANA (PRO-JUG), to this press conference.
The Progressive Journalists Union of Ghana (Pro-JUG) is an association of like minded and progressive journalists who have come together to fight a common purpose, which is to promote the welfare of the Ghanaian journalists and to restore public confidence in journalism in Ghana. Our membership cuts across the entire country.
Our aims among others include:
· Seeking the welfare of all practicing journalists.
· Upholding high journalistic standards and professionalism in the country.
· Restoring public confidence in journalists.
· Creating and maintaining good working relationship and mutual understanding among journalists
· To consistently addressing issues of national interest.
· Championing the course of democracy, good governance and human rights in and outside the country.
·
Ladies, Gentlemen and fellow media practitioners, as journalists we are in a unique position to shape the direction and destiny of this country and we can only do this to the fullest if we are given the room to operate on fair playing field.
We are all witnesses to the selective favouritism being exhibited currently in the country by the government and the ruling party. Sadly enough not even the almighty media has been spared of this.
Journalism has been divided along political lines and obviously this does not auger well for the democratic dispensation of this country.
This is why we have all converged here today to declare our support for Prof. John Evans Fiifi Atta Mills.
We of Pro-JUG have critically assessed and concluded that among the two giants in the run-off, it is only the NDC that can redeem the sinking image of our noble profession. Indeed we need total change in the way politics is done in this country. We need a change from selective favouritism and we have realized that Prof. Mills and the NDC represent this change.
We believe that among the two major parties contesting the presidential run-off in this year’s elections, the needs of Ghanaian journalists would be effectively addressed under Professor John Evans Atta Mills and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) than under Nana Akufo Addo and the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Even though it is an undeniable truth that the NDC did not have a palatable relationship with the media in the past, the party has proven to us all in recent times that it has the media at heart and wants it to work in an independent atmosphere. This could be seen in its endeavours in shunning away from financially influencing the media, an act which is evident in the current NPP administration and which is bound to continue in Nana Akufo Addo’s administration if he is retained. After all, he has consistently promised to continue what President Kufuor has done.
Ladies and Gentlemen, after our assessment, we can confidently say to the whole world that the national executives of the NDC led by its presidential candidate Prof. Atta Mills, have exhibited an enormous care, and willingness to work with journalists and all who matter in the development of our great country to ensure a better Ghana for all.
As an association of journalists, we have carefully studied the manifestoes of the two political parties in the race, we have assessed their personalities and weighed their leadership experiences and are convinced that the best interest of Ghana would be well served under Prof. Atta Mills and the NDC government which has the policy of investing in people, jobs and the economy.
We are therefore urging our entire membership across the country as well as all journalists and media practitioners and the general Ghanaian electorate to vote massively for Prof. John Evans Fiifi Atta Mills and the NDC for A BETTER GHANA.
Thank you very much and may you vote wisely.
Contact persons: 0244 822034, 0243 66 36 50
ACTING EXECUTIVES
PRESIDENT -KWADWO ASARI BAFFOUR-
VICE-PRESIDENT- JEORGE WILSON KINGSON
GENERAL SECRETARY-KOFI AHOVI
Colleague members of the Media,
Ladies and Gentlemen
All protocols observed,
It is my pleasure to welcome you on behalf of the PROGRESSIVE JOURNALISTS UNION OF GHANA (PRO-JUG), to this press conference.
The Progressive Journalists Union of Ghana (Pro-JUG) is an association of like minded and progressive journalists who have come together to fight a common purpose, which is to promote the welfare of the Ghanaian journalists and to restore public confidence in journalism in Ghana. Our membership cuts across the entire country.
Our aims among others include:
· Seeking the welfare of all practicing journalists.
· Upholding high journalistic standards and professionalism in the country.
· Restoring public confidence in journalists.
· Creating and maintaining good working relationship and mutual understanding among journalists
· To consistently addressing issues of national interest.
· Championing the course of democracy, good governance and human rights in and outside the country.
·
Ladies, Gentlemen and fellow media practitioners, as journalists we are in a unique position to shape the direction and destiny of this country and we can only do this to the fullest if we are given the room to operate on fair playing field.
We are all witnesses to the selective favouritism being exhibited currently in the country by the government and the ruling party. Sadly enough not even the almighty media has been spared of this.
Journalism has been divided along political lines and obviously this does not auger well for the democratic dispensation of this country.
This is why we have all converged here today to declare our support for Prof. John Evans Fiifi Atta Mills.
We of Pro-JUG have critically assessed and concluded that among the two giants in the run-off, it is only the NDC that can redeem the sinking image of our noble profession. Indeed we need total change in the way politics is done in this country. We need a change from selective favouritism and we have realized that Prof. Mills and the NDC represent this change.
We believe that among the two major parties contesting the presidential run-off in this year’s elections, the needs of Ghanaian journalists would be effectively addressed under Professor John Evans Atta Mills and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) than under Nana Akufo Addo and the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Even though it is an undeniable truth that the NDC did not have a palatable relationship with the media in the past, the party has proven to us all in recent times that it has the media at heart and wants it to work in an independent atmosphere. This could be seen in its endeavours in shunning away from financially influencing the media, an act which is evident in the current NPP administration and which is bound to continue in Nana Akufo Addo’s administration if he is retained. After all, he has consistently promised to continue what President Kufuor has done.
Ladies and Gentlemen, after our assessment, we can confidently say to the whole world that the national executives of the NDC led by its presidential candidate Prof. Atta Mills, have exhibited an enormous care, and willingness to work with journalists and all who matter in the development of our great country to ensure a better Ghana for all.
As an association of journalists, we have carefully studied the manifestoes of the two political parties in the race, we have assessed their personalities and weighed their leadership experiences and are convinced that the best interest of Ghana would be well served under Prof. Atta Mills and the NDC government which has the policy of investing in people, jobs and the economy.
We are therefore urging our entire membership across the country as well as all journalists and media practitioners and the general Ghanaian electorate to vote massively for Prof. John Evans Fiifi Atta Mills and the NDC for A BETTER GHANA.
Thank you very much and may you vote wisely.
Contact persons: 0244 822034, 0243 66 36 50
ACTING EXECUTIVES
PRESIDENT -KWADWO ASARI BAFFOUR-
VICE-PRESIDENT- JEORGE WILSON KINGSON
GENERAL SECRETARY-KOFI AHOVI
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