Communiqué on the Graphic – STAR Ghana Roundtable Discussion

Communiqué on the Graphic – STAR Ghana Roundtable Discussion on Media Ethics and Transparency in Frequency Allocation

We participants, from Media, Academia, Traditional Authority, CSOs, prominent individuals including the Akyempimhene of Kumasi Oheneba Aduse Poku and the Ashanti Regional Minister Hon. Dr. Samuel Sarpong, at the Graphic – STAR Ghana roundtable discussion on Media Ethics and Transparency in frequency allocations, having met at the Golden Tulip Hotel in Kumasi, on Monday 10^th of November 2014, having been briefed about the research findings on the 2 issues and having considered the necessity for free and responsible media adopt the following communiqué:

 Media Ethics

1. There should be a decentralization of the NMC: it should go down to the district level. This should help guide the practice of media at the basic level.
2. A journalist is one who practices journalism for his or her livelihood and must be held to the code of ethics
3. Anybody who practices journalism must adhere to the code of ethics and the code should be incorporated into their contract of employment.
4. Certain minimum standards must be set for media houses.
5. Continuous professional development for all personnel including media owners should be organised
6. There should be collaboration between NCA & NMC
7. There is the need for the amalgamation of the codes of ethics of GIBA, PRINPAG, Community Radio Network and GJA into a national media code and this should be made available nationwide.

 Transparency in Frequency Allocation

1. There is an urgent need to pass the Broadcasting bill into law.
2. The NCA must involve the NMC in the allocation of frequency, with possibility of merging the 2 bodies.
3. Define clear criteria and guidelines for allocation of frequency
4. Review the NCA Act to take into consideration democratic allocation of frequencies.
5. Limit the number of frequencies that are given to one organization especially the commercial frequencies.
6. The NCA must grant licenses to legitimate communities
7. The NCA should declare the frequencies that are available & who owns what and also allocate equitably among the classes of radio stations

Moved by Africanus Owusu Ansah and Seconded by Nana Ninsin-Tonbeah and was unanimously adopted by the entire house.

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