Supreme Court places injunction on NMC's new media law

The Supreme Court has stopped the National Media Commission (NMC) from going ahead to implement the newly introduced Content Standards Regulation (LI 2224).

The court in a seven-member unanimous decision granted an injunction application by the Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA).

GIBA is challenging the constitutionality of the new law.

The law when implemented would require media houses to submit a document of their programme line-up to the Commission for approval before broadcasting.

But according to GIBA, some of the regulations are inconsistent with the 1992 Constitution which guarantees unfettered media freedom.

In agreeing with the applicant , the Supreme Court ruled that the balance of hardship and convenience is in the favour of GIBA if the law was implemented pending the substantive suit being heard.