GRi Arts & Culture 13 – 02 - 2003

FIDA intervenes in profane music on electronic media

Kumasi (Ashanti Region) 13 February 2003- The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Ghana, says it supports the campaign against the playing of profane music by some FM radio stations.

Ms. Gloria Ofori Boadu, Executive Director of FIDA who was speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), in Kumasi said such profane music mostly centres on women and bring down their dignity.

She noted that FIDA had written to all television and F.M. stations to stop playing such music because it promotes indiscipline in society. "Meanwhile FIDA is bidding time to monitor all TV and radio stations as part of efforts to stem the practice.

Ms Ofori Boadu said though article 162 of the Constitution guarantees the freedom and independence of the press, and states that there shall be no censorship, article 164 also stipulates that such provisions are subject to laws that are reasonably required in the interest of National Security, public order and for the purpose protecting the reputations, rights and freedoms of other persons.

She, therefore, expressed disgust at the way women are often disdained in some of the lyrics, which are popular hits saying "this is another form of discrimination against women".

GRi.../

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