Supreme Court nominee, Justice Senyo Dzamefe, has stressed the importance of press freedom in Ghana’s democracy, stating firmly that the judiciary has no authority to suppress or gag the media—as long as journalists are truthful and fair in their reporting.
Appearing before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Monday, June 16, Justice Dzamefe responded to concerns about media coverage of judicial matters, clarifying his stance on the relationship between the courts and the press.
“We can’t gag the press so far as they do a good job and they don’t misinform us. We don’t have any authority to gag them,” he asserted. “The only guideline is that make sure what you report on is the truth.”
While acknowledging the media’s right to cover court proceedings and decisions, he cautioned against misinformation and urged reporters to seek clarification when in doubt.
“The press can come to report on cases or come to do anything with the judiciary. We don’t have the power to stop them.
“Just make sure that what you are reporting on is the truth and it’s fair. If you don’t understand, ask, don’t report on perceptions,” he advised.
Justice Dzamefe also made it clear that he does not support any form of suppression of the truth or press freedoms.
“Generally, I wouldn’t recommend repression. Out of what is true, I would recommend suppression? No, I wouldn’t.”
