The National Media Commission (NMC) has confirmed it has received a petition from the management of Citi TV/FM regarding the operations of National Security Officers who stormed the premises of the media house early last week to arrest a journalist.
This happened after the officers had arrested, detained and interrogated one of the station’s journalist, Caleb Kudah, for allegedly filming within the precincts of the National Security Ministry in Accra and sending some of the footage to his colleague in the office.
Mr. Kudah later disclosed that he was tortured while in detention. This sparked wide condemnation from civil society and well-meaning Ghanaians.
A petition filed by management of Citi FM and Citi TV to the National Media Commission (NMC) disclosed that Mr Kudah had to be taken to hospital for medical care over the physical and psychological torture he went through.
Citi FM’s management is asking the Commission to launch an independent probe into the incident “and recommend appropriate actions therefrom”.
Speaking to Komla Adom on 3FM’s Midday News Monday, Executive Secretary of the NMC, George Sarpong, confirmed the commission has received the petition and has written to the National Security for a response.
“Yes, I can confirm receipt of the petition”, he said.
He said the NMC is hoping to receive the comments of the National Security by next Monday and then take it from there. Mr. Sarpong has however declined to comment on the abuses of journalists in the country, stating he would want to limit himself to the petition before the commission.
Meanwhile, GIBA, PRINPAG and GJA want the findings and recommendations from the Committee of Enquiry set up by the Ministry of National Security and the Complaints Settlement Committee of the National Media Commission to be implemented with utmost urgency.
By 3news.com|Ghana