'Economy' of journalist's pocket is a threat to media freedom – Amb. Blay-Amihere

Ambassador Kabral Blay-Amihere, a veteran journalist and Board Chairman of GRIDCO has analysed that one of the greatest threats to Ghanaian journalists is finance. He suggested that the threat posed by the state to the freedom of the media does not match up to what personal economic situation does to the journalist. He was addressing a gathering at the Eastern Regional Coordinating Council in commemoration of the World Freedom Day in Koforidua. “There are a lot of factors affecting the media freedom in Ghana, even the economy can be a problem,” Ambassador Blay-Amihere who is a former Chairman of the National Media Commission assessed. “If you look at the radio stations and hear the super powers, you may think everyone is doing well, but go to the north, west and newsrooms. For those journalists working in those media houses, the real threat to their operation and ethical behavior is not government but the economy”. The veteran journalist emphasized that when the pocket is dry, that can be a threat to media freedom. Ambassador Blay-Amihere also touched on the safety and protection of journalists and said although some gains have been made there are still some issues to deal with. He charged journalists to set agenda that would improve the society and enhance national development, such as championing environmental issues and holding government and its agencies accountable.

GJA Awards The event was also used to launch the regional GJA awards by Nana Somuah Mireku Nyampong, a Council of State member representing the people of Eastern. The Chairman of the Eastern Regional GJA Maxwell Kudekor encouraged journalists to set the agenda on malaria and HIV/AIDS which the region was leading. Present at the event included The MCE for New Juaben North Comfort Asante, MCE for New Juaben South, Isaac Apau Gyasi among other dignitaries.

By Yvonne Neeguaye | editors.3news.com