Accra: Eighteen newly appointed members of the National Media Commission (NMC) were sworn into office for a three-year term at a ceremony held at the Supreme Court. Justice Noble Jerome Nkrumah, a Justice of the Court of Appeal, officiated the swearing-in and emphasized the need for high journalistic standards to support public discourse and national development. He encouraged the new members to diligently carry out their roles to influence and strengthen Ghana’s media landscape.

According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. George Sarpong, the Executive Secretary of the NMC, stated that the newly constituted Commission brings fresh perspectives to its work. This reconstitution marks the first significant change in the Commission, with Mr. Kobby Asmah, the former Editor of the Daily Graphic, being the only returning member. Mr. Sarpong highlighted the Commission’s recent internal transformations, focusing on setting and monitoring media standards, journalist safety, and overseeing election coverage.

Mr. Sarpong noted the importance of establishing, monitoring, and enforcing media standards. He also expressed the Commission’s intent to deepen its partnership with the Government to enhance media transformation efforts in Ghana. Mr. Philip Fiifi Buckman, one of the new members, called for an end to ‘media extremism’ and committed to promoting nationalism and responsible media practices.

The newly sworn-in members are Ms. Eva Okyere, Mr. Ernest Owusu Addo, Mr. Anthony Obeng Afrane, Reverend Ruby Amable, Alhaji Muhammed Amir Kpakpo Addo, Prof. Isaac Abeku Blankson, Ms. Esther A. Numaba Cobbah, Rev. Isaac Owusu, Mr. Kobby Asmah, Mr. Kofi Yeboah, Mr. Richard Mawuli Quashigah, Prof. Akua Britwum, Korkor Laurette Asante, Ms. Abena Annobea-Asare, Mr. Joseph Yao Hotor, Mr. Cecil Sunkwa-Mills, Mahama Shaibu, and Philip Fiifi Buckman.

The Commission is constitutionally mandated to promote and ensure media freedom and independence in Ghana and uphold the highest standards of journalistic practice.