By Ernest Nutsugah
Accra, Nov. 28, GNA – Dr Gilbert Tietaah, a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Communication Studies, University of Ghana, has emphasised cooperation and continuous dialogue among media practitioners and security agencies to safeguard Ghana’s democracy.
Speaking at a media-security relations forum in Accra on Thursday, he called for professionalism, mutual trust and respect between both institutions to help reduce confrontations and attacks often reported.
Dr Tietaah noted that journalists and security agencies should strive to maintain cordial relationships as they complemented one another in executing their respective mandates.
“The media must inform the public, investigate wrongdoing and create space for national debate. The security agencies must maintain law and order, protect citizens and manage threats to national harmony,” he said.
“These responsibilities frequently come into contention in high pressure situations, such as when covering demonstrations, managing elections, investigating and reporting on crime…without shared understanding, clear communication and mutual trust and respect, such situations can easily escalate, jeopardising lives and rights.”
The forum was convened by the Media Foundation for West Africa (WFWA), in collaboration with the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA), Private Newspaper and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG), and the Ghana Community Radio Network (GCRN).
It sought, among other objectives, to strengthening collaboration between the media and security agencies in the country, while appreciating the critical roles of both institutions.
Dr Tietaah described the forum as an opportunity to build “a stable and steady” national framework for cooperation between journalists and security agencies, and enhance professionalism on both sides.
Commending MFWA and partners for the initiative, he emphasised the importance of holding individuals and institutions accountable when rights are violated.
“Security personnel should understand media rights and ethics. Journalists must appreciate the safety constraints and risks inherent in security operations.
“We need clear channels before, during, and after sensitive events, which can prevent confusion and avoid escalation…The constitutional rights of both journalists and citizens, must remain central in security operations…When violations occur, we must ensure consequence,” he added.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Grace Ansah-Akrofi Ansah, Director General, Public Affairs, touched on the long-standing relationship between the Ghana Police Service and the media, highlighting a shared responsibility in ensuring public safety and information dissemination.
Stressing the importance of direct communication to resolve conflicts, she noted that the forum and future engagements would help address specific challenges both from the media and security agencies’ perspectives.
“We are in the same enterprise together. We have a responsibility to ensure your safety as you go about your duties, and you also have the responsibility to share our successes,” she said.
“We need each other all the time; the better we relate with each other, the better we are able to carry on with our responsibilities.”
Mr Suleman Brimah, the Executive Director, MFWA, attributed the decline in Ghana’s global press freedom ranking to violations ranging from arbitrary arrests, detentions, physical violence and legislation on false publications.
He emphasised partnership between the media and security agencies and expressed WFMA’s commitment to building stronger mutual understanding and trust between both institutions.
Expressing confidence in the potential for constructive dialogue, he said similar sessions would be held in Tamale and Kumasi with practical solutions expected to emerge from the discussions.
The dialogue formed part of MFWA’s project on “Countering corruption through accountability journalism and improved freedom of expression environment in Ghana.”
The initiative falls under the Participation, Accountability, Integrity for a Resilient Democracy (PAIReD) Programme, commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.
It was co-financed by the EU and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs and implemented by GIZ in cooperation with the Ministry of Finance.
Representatives of various security agencies, civil society organisations, and academic institutions attended the forum.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe