Dear Bono....

The NMC exists to ensure that there is promotion of free, independent and responsible media so as to sustain democracy with a media that is independent from other organs of state.

In order to promote these goals NMC is committed to maintain its independence from political influence. It shall ensure that the state owned media is independent from government control. It shall raise professional standards among media practitoners and ensure fairness to the public. It shall protect journalists from harassment and penalties arising out of their editorial opinions or content.

OBJECTIVES

a) To promote and ensure the freedom and independence of the media for mass communication or information.

b) To take all appropriate measures to ensure the establishment and maintenance of the highest journalistic standards in the mass media, including the investigation, mediation and settlement of complaints made against or by the press or other mass media.

c) To insulate the state owned media from government control.

d) To perform other functions as may be prescribed by law not inconsistent with the Constitution.

The above functions are spelt out in the 1992 Consitution. [See NMC Act] for more functions.

Before the 1992 constitution the media in Ghana was regulated by a licensing regime that tended to strangulate the industry . Freedom of the media was excessively curtailed.

The people of Ghana decided to adopt a Constitution that defined a Media Commission to safeguard the right to free expression.

One of the strengths of the Ghanaian Constitution is the prominence given to the media. The focus on the media tends to suggest its vital role if Ghana’s cherished goal of freedom and justice is to be actualized.

The NMC was established by an act of parliament. It was established in 7th July 1993 by an act of parliament (Act 449) pursuant to chapter 12 in the 1992 constitution.