GENERAL

Are we in the Ghana of 1979 again?

Published

5 years ago

February 27, 2021

Frimpong

The order from the Judicial Service of Ghana to media houses instructing them to delete publications that are “scandalous” of judges hearing the ongoing 2020 Election Petition before the Supreme Court has been met with much criticism from the Ghanaian public, especially social media users. Many have excoriated the Judiciary for seeking to gag the Ghanaian people, the very people from whom they derive their power to administer justice as an arm of Government.

The Judicial Service of Ghana ordered all media houses in Ghana to delete all publications that are “vengeful” or “spiteful” of the judges of the Supreme Court of the country, explaining among others that such “contemptuous” or “scandalous” publications undermine the courts in the execution of its work. The Judicial Service warned that failure to delete the publications will mean incurring the wrath of the Judicial Service.

But Ghanaians seem to have been shocked by the order and have been reacting.

Freelance investigative journalist Manasseh has described the order as an attempt to gag Ghanaians, and has reminded the Judiciary that its power is derived from the very people they are attempting to silence.

“Ghana’s courts are asking journalists to delete their work of journalism. Did someone rewind the clock to 1979? “Celebrated journalist Justice Baidoo asked.