The government of Ghana says it is “taking steps to enhance the personal security of Judges to enable them discharge their functions without fear or favour.”
A statement issued by Minister of the Interior Prosper Bani on Monday July 4 said: “Government condemns the offensive and irresponsible conduct by sections of the media and some political actors/commentators”.
“While Government continues to respect freedom of expression, it expects the security agencies to take firm action(s) against persons whose utterances and actions undermine the peace, security and stability of the state,” Mr Bani said in response to a death threats on justices of the Supreme Court by two panellists who appeared on Accra-based Montie FM last week.
Below is the full statement:
GOVERNMENT ASSURES THE JUDICIARY, MANAGERS OF THE ELECTORAL PROCESS AND ALL GHANAIANS OF THEIR SAFETY
Government has noted the rising spate of abusive and incendiary language used by some political actors and the threat this poses to the nation’s security and stability. Government condemns the offensive and irresponsible conduct by sections of the media and some political actors/commentators.
While Government continues to respect freedom of expression, it expects the security agencies to take firm action(s) against persons whose utterances and actions undermine the peace, security and stability of the state. In this regard Government notes the swift action taken by the Bureau of National Investigations to ensure the safety and security of members of the Judiciary.
Additionally Government is taking steps to enhance the personal security of Judges to enable them discharge their functions without fear or favour. Government also notes the upsurge in inflammatory rhetoric against key managers of the electoral process calculated to compromise their independence and security and is taking further steps to improve their personal security.
Indeed Government wishes to assure the general public that it will not shirk its responsibility to protect the peace and security of the country. Owners and employees of mass media outlets are reminded that they are subject to laws pertaining to national security, public order, the protection of reputations and rights and freedoms of others.
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