United Kingdom (UK) Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt has recognized the works of world acclaimed investigative journalist, Anas Aremeyaw Anas.
Jeremy Hunt acknowledged the Ghanaian ace investigative journalist as one of the few that ought to be celebrated for their boldness and finest.
He was speaking at the UNESCO World Press Freedom Day celebrations hosted by the African Union in Addis Ababa on Thursday.
“So as we mark World Press Freedom Day, I want to start by celebrating the best of African journalism.
“Whether it is the courageous investigations of Anas Aremeyaw Anas, who I was privileged to meet in Ghana,
“or Patrick Gathara’s insights into Kenyan politics, Charles Onyango-Obbo’s incisive commentary on Uganda,
“or the cartoons of Gado in East Africa and Zapiro in South Africa which show that a skilful caricature is worth a thousand words.”
The world over about 99 journalists were killed last year, he said, and another 348 locked up by governments.
Meeting with Anas
The Secretary of State, Jeremy Hunt prior to attending the event in Ethiopia paid a two-day official visit to Ghana on Monday, April 29, aimed at boosting trade and bilateral relations towards Ghana’s drive to self-development.
As part of the visit, Mr Hunt met Ghana’s undercover journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas, who was forced to wear a disguise, and the pair posed for an extraordinary photograph together.
The Foreign Secretary is one of the front runners in the race to replace Theresa May.
Media Freedom Campaign
At the World Press Freedom day in Addis Ababa, Mr. Hunt urged Britain to play its part in championing media freedom.
“So I’ve joined my Canadian counterpart, Chrystia Freeland, to launch a global campaign to protect journalists doing their job and promote the benefits of a free media. In July, we will host the world’s first ministerial summit on media freedom in London,” he said.
The Secretary of State also announced steps he is taking to strengthen the legal protection of journalists.
“On this and other subjects, we want to work closely with the African Union and UNESCO, who I thank for hosting us today.
“Our overriding aim is to shine a spotlight on abuses and raise the price for those who would murder, arrest or detain journalists just for doing their jobs.”
