Montie sentencing: Be careful what you say – GIBA urges broadcasters

The Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA) has urged its members to be circumspect in their commentary and reportage on the Supreme Court sentencing of a host and two panelists of Montie FM.

“The Supreme Court has sent a clear signal that, within the freedom of expression guaranteed under our constitution, there are lines that ought not to be crossed and there is the need to make it universally unacceptable for anyone to engage in such conduct,” said a statement by the Association.

Host, Salifu Maase and Panelists Alistair Nelson and Godwin Ako Gunn and Salifu Maase have been sentenced to four months in jail for contempt against the Court.

Read the full GIBA statement below:
The Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA) has taken note of the custodial sentences handed to the host and two panellists on Montie FM, by the Supreme Court and the subsequent commentary by various interest groups.

GIBA as an Association is law abiding and respects the verdict of the Supreme Court. We entreat all members to be circumspect in their commentary and reportage on the issue and strictly abide by the tenets of our recently launched Code of Conduct. The Supreme Court has sent a clear signal that within the freedom of expression guaranteed under our constitution, there are lines that ought not to be crossed and there is the need to make it universally unacceptable for anyone to engage in such conduct.

We will continue our engagements with various stakeholders such as the National Media Commission, the Judiciary, Parliament, National Communications Authority, and Ghana Journalists Association, to ensure the media remains free but the industry is well regulated.

As an Industry Association, we encourage all Media Owners and Directors to strictly abide by the Articles guiding Corporate Governance and ensure that the code of our practice is internalized, and policies and directives on responsible media practice are enforced. We are in touch with the Owners and Directors of the station and will provide further updates appropriately.

We pray that cool heads prevail until the issues concerning our content standardization are finally resolved at the Supreme Court.

Signed
Akwasi Agyeman,
President
National Secretariat
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