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Government urged to expedite action on freedom of information
bill
Accra, May 2, Ghanadot/GNA - The
Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ),
on Friday asked government to demonstrate its commitment to
probity, accountability, open government and respect for human
rights by ensuring the immediate passage of the freedom of
information bill.
A statement signed by Miss Anna Bossman, Acting Commissioner of
CHRAJ, and issued in commemoration of World Press Freedom Day,
which falls on May 3, said such legislation would also help to
strengthen institutions of governance to play their role of
ensuring transparency and good governance as well as deepening
democracy.
“This year’s theme “Media Dialogue and mutual understanding”,
compels us all to reflect on the tenets of tolerance and
acceptance of each other in spite of our differences. It reminds
us that there is unity in diversity and that we all have a role
to play in the nation building”, It said.
The statement said journalists and the media had enormous power
to shape attitudes and perceptions, and this power must be used
responsibly with the sole aim of making this nation a better
place for everybody.
It urged media houses to set up human rights desks and appoint
focal persons to report and discuss issues pertaining to human
rights.
“This way, they would contribute immensely towards human rights
promotion and invariably protecting the vulnerable in society
especially women and children” the statement said.
It commended the Ghanaian media for the pivotal role it played
in ensuring the conduct of successful general election in
December last year.
GNA
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