Ghana Photojournalists Network (GPN) is calling for the support of the general public to enable photojournalists and videographers document the December 7 general elections.
In a statement issued in Accra, GPN President Mr. David Andoh decried the unnecessary attacks on photojournalists in executing their job on occasions such as elections.
“Photography is the perfect mirror that reflects happenings in society, as such all well-meaning Ghanaians must support, protect and encourage Photojournalists to carry out their responsibility faithfully to help speed up the development of the country.”
Below is the full statement
The Ghana Photojournalists Network (GPN) urges Photo Journalists and Videographers accredited by the Electoral Commission to cover the general elections to adhere to the Election regulations to ensure a successful and peaceful election this year.
We wish to advise you to exercise high professionalism and be guided by your ethics and fair judgement in the coverage of events. We encourage you to move in groups and promptly alert security personnel on duty in case of any unexpected occurrence.
We humbly call on the security agencies to protect media personnel covering this year’s general elections.
The GPN has observed that on occasions like Photojournalists and Videographers going about their lawful duty of photographing events and some infractions in society have been attacked by some unscrupulous persons ostensibly to prevent scrutiny or evade arrest. This is not only unfortunate, it is also against the fundamental human rights of Photojournalists and all efforts must be made to ensure their security.
It must be pointed out that photography “is an important medium that helps document moments of life and presents objective perspectives that catalyses the development of nations.” In other words photography is the perfect mirror that reflects happenings in society, as such all well meaning Ghanaians must support, protect and encourage Photojournalists to carry out their responsibility faithfully to help speed up the development of the country.
GPN, affiliated with the Ghana Journalists Association, is the umbrella body that promotes professionalism and the welfare of Photojournalists and Videographers among other ideals.
Thank you.
signed
David Andoh
President
