19th November, 2014

“Let's Reject Criminal Libel Law Forever' is how the Daily Graphic captions its editorial". It says it understands the frustrations of the Speaker of Parliament calling for a review of the laws governing the National Media Commission to give it enough powers to check reckless reportage which is likely to destroy the peace of the country. The Graphic believes the NMC has enough powers to take all appropriate measures to ensure the establishment and maintenance of the highest journalistic standards. The paper thinks what the country needs is media responsibility founded on temperate language and respect for the journalism ethics to save it from possible catastrophe and not the re-introduction of the Criminal Libel Law. 

The Ghanaian Times has lauded the campaign by the National Petroleum Authority to enforce its policy on unauthorised and unsafe selling of fuel and other related products. The paper describes the situation as worrying, raising safety and security concerns, as the sale of fuel in gallons is highly risky and could result in fire outbreaks. The Times is therefore calling for an investigation into the sources of the fuel to the peddlers to help expose the faces behind this illegal activity and be dealt with severely. It says this is the only way fuel smuggling and illegal sales can be stopped. The Paper entreats the NPA to sustain this move to ensure the safety of all. 

The General Telegraph expresses concern on the emergence of illegal chainsaw operators and artisanal milling concept in the country and wishes to commend the forestry commission for embarking on a project in collaboration with the European Union under which both sawmills and artisanal millers can supply the domestic market with legal timber obtained from sustained yield. The telegraph however suggests that it has taken a long time and many meetings to arrive at a consensus among stakeholders regarding the definition of artisanal milling. Prior to the introduction of the artisanal milling concept, the slow rate of progress in bringing an end to illegal chainsaw operators was blames on corruption and inappropriate governance issues.

GBC