GJA calls for dedicated defamation law to protect journalists and clarify media litigation
Dominic Hlordze, the General Secretary of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), has called on Parliament to enact a dedicated defamation law, arguing that the absence of clear legislation is creating uncertainty within Ghana's media and legal systems while leaving journalists vulnerable to litigation. Speaking on JoyNews during a discussion on defamation suits against journalists, Mr. Hlordze stated that the country's continued reliance on common law principles to determine defamation cases is inadequate and offers little certainty for journalists, editors, the judiciary, and members of the public. He said, "Those of us in the media have issues. Those in the judiciary, in court. So that will guide how all of us in the ecosystem will be able to navigate around it. As we don't have it, it is not helping us."
According to Mr. Hlordze, a comprehensive defamation law would provide a clear legal framework to guide the conduct of media practitioners, define the rights of aggrieved persons, and establish consistent standards for the courts. He explained that the absence of a statutory framework means judges are compelled to rely on common law principles and judicial precedents rather than clearly defined legislation. Mr. Hlordze argued that a dedicated law would remove uncertainty by spelling out what constitutes defamation, the legal defences available to journalists, the remedies available to complainants, and the sanctions applicable where liability is established. He acknowledged that passing such legislation would require deliberate engagement with lawmakers and sustained advocacy.
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The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) is advocating for Parliament to enact a dedicated defamation law to address the current reliance on common
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