The Tema Regional Police Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Jonathan Yakubu on Tuesday called on media personnel to promote peace, unity and the nation's young democracy by working in conformity with professional ethics.
Addressing a press conference at Tema on recent publications, comments and contributions that are gradually creating tensions and anxiety in the society, the ACP advised media personnel against the use of derogatory remarks that have the tendency to create anxiety and tension. He noted that often times, certain programmes and phone-in callers make uncomplimentary remarks about personalities holding high offices, "which is unfortunate."
ACP Yakubu noted that the Police and the Media work in collaboration with a lot of challenges facing the two institutions and this require that care be taken in order to promote
the development of democracy, rule of law and socio-economic development of the nation.
Referring to section 208 of the criminal
code which stipulates that one commits an offence for publishing, reproducing a statement, rumour
or report to cause fear, alarm and disturb the peace and cautioned journalists against flouting it in their own interest.
He said the police have a duty to protect and defend the hard won democracy being presently enjoyed and warned that "we as a police organisation will not sit down unconcerned for the freedoms of speech and expression enshrined in the constitution to be abused or violated".
To this end, Mr Yakubu advised media personnel to be circumspect in their reportage and how they handle publications, contributions, phone-in calls in the discharge of their duties by crosschecking of facts in order not to embarrass and abuse the rights of people.
Addressing a press conference at Tema on recent publications, comments and contributions that are gradually creating tensions and anxiety in the society, the ACP advised media personnel against the use of derogatory remarks that have the tendency to create anxiety and tension. He noted that often times, certain programmes and phone-in callers make uncomplimentary remarks about personalities holding high offices, "which is unfortunate."
ACP Yakubu noted that the Police and the Media work in collaboration with a lot of challenges facing the two institutions and this require that care be taken in order to promote
the development of democracy, rule of law and socio-economic development of the nation.
Referring to section 208 of the criminal
code which stipulates that one commits an offence for publishing, reproducing a statement, rumour
or report to cause fear, alarm and disturb the peace and cautioned journalists against flouting it in their own interest.
He said the police have a duty to protect and defend the hard won democracy being presently enjoyed and warned that "we as a police organisation will not sit down unconcerned for the freedoms of speech and expression enshrined in the constitution to be abused or violated".
To this end, Mr Yakubu advised media personnel to be circumspect in their reportage and how they handle publications, contributions, phone-in calls in the discharge of their duties by crosschecking of facts in order not to embarrass and abuse the rights of people.
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