NMC cautions media over discussion of religion, ethnicity

The National Media Commission (NMC) has called on the media, particularly, editors, radio and television presenters and talk show hosts, to exercise the greatest sense of judgment, circumspection and sensitivity in their coverage and analysis of matters regarding religion and ethnicity particularly the practice of religion in our educational institutions.

A statement issued in Accra Wednesday said the NMC had noted with concern the tone of coverage and discussions regarding religion and ethnicity in the past couple of days.

It said the relative peace, harmony and stability of Ghana had enjoyed over the past 58 years had been built upon the collective tolerance of its forebears.

The statement signed by its chairman, Ambassador Kabral Blay-Amihere, said that "Our generation owes this to ourselves and to future generations to preserve this harmony and cordial relations among various religions and peoples."

It said while all Ghanaians, including major stakeholders - the government, civil society, educational institutions, faith based groups, traditional authorities and the general citizenry -would be exercising their right to free expression and opinion, "the Commission believes the debate and discussions could be held without rancour and bitterness. The experience of Africa demonstrates that any deviation from this can be a recipe for mayhem".