The President of the Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA), Cecil Thomas Sunkwa-Mills, has expressed concern over the rushed handling of the Broadcasting Bill, which is currently being treated as an emergency.
He believes the decision to push the bill through under emergency conditions is 'unfair.'
Contributing to a discussion at the Joy Brands' national dialogue on Defending Media Freedom on Thursday, August 29, he said the bill has been in development for over three-and-a-half years, yet stakeholders were only provided with a copy of the 58-page document by the sector Minister almost three weeks ago.
"...We've been told it's going to go under emergency, but we've had to spend nights in the last three weeks browsing through the 58 page document, which would determine a lot about broadcasting in Ghana.
"There's a lot of input that has gone in, but we'll share it by tomorrow, and then we'll see. We believe the time frame and the state of making it an emergency is not fair," he said.
Read also: Broadcasting Bill: Final draft ready for Cabinet – Information Minister
His comment follows the Information Minister, Fatima Abubakar's announcement that the bill would be presented to the House under a certificate of urgency and affirmed her outfit's commitment to ensuring that it is passed.
The revised Broadcasting Bill, which was drafted in 2012, seeks to provide comprehensive legislation on broadcasting services regulated by the National Media Commission (NMC) and the National Communications Authority (NCA) in a manner consistent with the Constitution.
The GIBA President pointed out that the document spent a considerable time sitting at the Attorney General's office, and now the sudden urgency to pass it does not allow for adequate scrutiny.
He stressed the importance of ensuring that such a critical piece of legislation is thoroughly reviewed and not rushed through the legislative process, adding that GIBA will go ahead and give their input.
Latest Stories
-
Sam George files nomination; vows to give NDC biggest victory in Ningo-Prampram
1 min -
Livestream: Newsfile discusses galamsey, NDC’s protest for forensic audit of voters register
40 mins -
Bawumia will promote agribusinesses – Napo
1 hour -
Pope says US must choose ‘lesser of two evils’
2 hours -
Trump vows mass deportations from town rocked by ‘pet-eating’ lies
2 hours -
Senior Staff Association of Universities of Ghana declares strike effective Sept. 16
2 hours -
Managing Ghana’s economy: A ‘Reset’ or an ‘Upgrade’
2 hours -
GPL 2024/25: Young Apostles looking to upset Nations FC in Wenchi
11 hours -
2024/25 Ghana League: Basake Holy Stars to host Dreams FC in Anyinase after shocking Hearts
12 hours -
I’ll soon take ownership of ‘What Do You Know?’ from GBC – Dan-Afari Yeboah
12 hours -
Life Lounge with Edem Knight-Tay: Paying school fees, providing shelter, meals, clothes, not enough
12 hours -
Two KNUST scientists invited to present at 2024 UN General Assembly Science Summit
13 hours -
Sarkodie is a much better stage performer than Lil Wayne – Andy Dosty
13 hours -
Galamsey: Gov’t will deploy river guards to protect water bodies – Mireku Duker
13 hours -
Election 2024: Review criteria for presidential aspirants – Asah-Asante to EC
13 hours