A Political Activist,Ernest Kwaku Kobeah has advised President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo to as a matter of urgency redeem his creeping image on the Freedom of Speech and allow the media to work.
According to the Ghanaian Businessman in UK, the rate at which the media are suppressed in the name of False Publication is becoming rampant as many Journalists who criticised the government are subjected to rambo style arrest.
Mr Ernest Kobeah said, if false Publication is made, the publisher is entitled to be given the opportunity to retract what he had written or said or make a rejoinder to his Publication and instead of the needless harassment by arresting the poor journalists.
He bemoaned that the arrest of some Journalists like Captain Smart, Bobie Ansah and the jailing of Oheneba Boamah Benie among others have given a bad name to the Press Freedom in Ghana to other international communities .
“Now Ghana is recognised as a nation that the media is suppressed and government critics are jailed for either telling the truth or exposing the ills in the government.” He Stated.
On 3rd February 2022, Onua TV’s Morning Show host, Blessed Godsbrain Smart popularly known as Captain Smart, was arrested and detained at the National Security Office along with another staff, Eric Dadzie Copperfield, popularly called DJ GH Boy.
In a related development, Power FM broadcaster Oheneba Boamah Bennie on 8th February 2022 was jailed over his claims against President Akufo-Addo and judges in the country.
According to a report by Radioxyzonline.com, the maverick broadcaster was given 14 days jail term on Tuesday by the High Court in Accra after the Attorney General charged him with contempt.
The court presided over by Justice Elfreda Dankyi also fined the broadcaster an amount of GHS 3000.
On 10th February 2022, another Renowned Journalist, Kwabena Bobie Ansah who works with Accra 100.5 fm was also arrested by the police after his program.
The Police explained that the Accra FM presenter who was arrested on Thursday night was over an alleged publication of false news and offensive conduct.
According to the Police, Kwabena Bobbie Ansah’s arrest “became necessary after he turned down several invitations from the Police to him and others involved in the case to assist with investigations.”
They further stated that the Accra Regional Police Command will issue a full statement on the matter in due course.
Mr Kwaku Kobeah said “It is with a very saddened heart that, the very Person, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo who touted himself as Press Freedom fighter has rather turned to fight the media in disguise.”
