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MONDAY 26TH JUNE – FRIDAY 30TH
JUNE
#CLASSFMdrugsweek
Drugs: has criminal justice failed us? is a week-long
series of powerful and informative discussion and debate on the need for drug
policy reform in Ghana. The debate will take place on the Executive Breakfast
Show (EBS) of Class FM 91.3 from Monday 26th June to Friday 30th
June.
Using the hashtag,
#CLASSFMdrugsweek EBS will explore the critical issues on the failure of the
current (punitive) approach to drug problem in Ghana while putting in
perspective the need for drug policies grounded in public health approach
safeguarding human rights. The radio show will engage former drugs addicts,
healthcare professionals, personnel from the National Law Enforcement Agency
Members of parliaments, policy makers, civil society representatives working on
drug related issue, and the general public throughout the week, starting at
7.30 am every morning.
This week long
Special Series is framed around the 2017 Global Day of Action – Drugs with the Support
Don’t Punish Campaign on 26th June. Every year globally, this day of
action highlights the harms being caused by the current punitive approach on
drug problem and invites the world to consider fresh approaches to dealing with
the issue. The Support Don’t Punish campaign calls for the protection of the
human rights of people who use drugs – including their right to health, life
and the implementation of harm reduction services.
According to Maria
Goretti Ane Loglo, Member of the West Africa Drug Policy Network – Ghana
Chapter, the current drug policy in Ghana, continue to be very repressive, with
the widespread marginalisation and treatment of people who use drugs as
criminals, morally weak ‘addicts’ and/or social outcasts; while non-violent low
level drug offenders generally make up the largest share of those sent to the
criminal justice system. This approach has only succeeded in exacerbating human
rights abuses, such as ill-treatment and extortion by police, mass
incarceration and arbitrary detention, in many cases without trial or due
process.
EAA Media Productions,
West Africa Drug Policy Network – Ghana Chapter, West Africa Civil Society
Institute (WACSI), Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA) and Class FM
have come together to produce this Special Series. It is a multi-media project
featuring on air discussions, social media engagement, a Twitter Poll and
engagement from the general Public.
“I am proud that my
company EAA Media Productions is the lead producer of this powerhouse series
with this partnership”, said Esther Armah, Director of EAA Media Productions.
She continued: “I strongly believe in media’s power to critically examine
sensitive issues with care, clarity and bring those impacted, those dealing
with addicts, those charged with creating policy and law to one mic in order to
tackle the issue, grapple with the multiple perspectives and leave us all
better informed and focused on resolution that serves a greater good.” She
concluded, “My company’s specialism is local content with international
standards for a global landscape”
DRUGS: has criminal
justice failed us? will air every day from Monday 26th June to
Friday 30th June 7.30am to 8.30am Executive Breakfast Show, ClassFM
91.3.
-ENDS-
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: EAA Media Productions Email: eaamediaproductions@gmail.com
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