Court to decide who appoints chairmen of state-owned media in 2000

Accra (Greater Accra), 17^th November 99

The Supreme Court will on January 26, 2000 decide whether the President or the National Media Commission (NMC) has the power to appoint chairmen and other members of governing bodies of public corporations managing the state-owned Media.

The seven-member panel, chaired by Mr Justice E.K. Wiredu, acting Chief Justice, announced the date on Tuesday when hearing of the case resumed.

The court stated that counsel for both parties have indicated that they rely on their written submissions sent to the court.

In 1996, NMC filed a writ at the court against the Attorney-General, challenging the power of the President in appointing chairmen and members of governing bodies managing the state media since the inception of the 1992 constitution.

The writ stated that the exercise by the President in making such appointments is "inconsistent with articles 162, 167 (c) and 168 of the constitution." These deal with the independence of the Media, insulation of the state-owned media from governmental control and the power of NMC to appoint chairmen and other members of the state-owned media.

The NMC in its statement of claim, craves the indulgence of the court to set aside all appointments made by the President since the coming into force of the 1992 constitution.

The AG's office in its statement of defence stated that the President has power to make such appointments and that those appointments are not inconsistent with the constitution.

Mr. Peter Ala Adjetey, former national chairman of the New Patriotic Party is the attorney for the NMC.

GRi