The Upper East Regional Chairman of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has suggested that a media blackout of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) would have added an extra layer of bite to the media blackout imposed on the MP for Awutu Senya East, who doubles as Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Hawa Koomson, by the GJA.
It would be recalled that the Media Foundation for West Africa threw its support behind the Ghana Journalists Association after the latter called for the imposition of a media blackout against Mavis Hawa Yakubu, the MP for Awutu Senya East who doubles as Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture.
The MFWA argued that because the attacks against journalists had been growing at a rapid rate, there needed to be a firm and drastic decision to address the situation. These were contained in a statement by the MFWA, copied to this website.
“Given the increasing spate of crimes against journalists, the apathetic attitude of the state toward such crimes, and the consequent growing impunity for such crimes, the MFWA believes that it is time for the media community to take drastic measures to ensure that the rights of journalists are protected and the safety of journalists guaranteed.”
“The MFWA commends the GJA for the bold decisive decision and wishes to join the Association in appealing to all media houses and journalists in the country to adhere to the decision of the GJA. Indeed, the MFWA wishes to add that the media boycott must include all activities of the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, as long as Madam Koomson remains the sector Minister.”
The decision of the GJA follows the attack of David Kobbena, a journalist with Cape FM, by thugs alleged to be supporters of Madam Koomson. The incident occurred on January 4, 2024.
Speaking on the Day Break Upper East Show today, Mr. Jalulah called for an extension of the media blackout.
“Chapter 12 of the Constitution is dedicated to the media and media responsibilities and freedoms. If anyone at all thinks that what any journalist is doing at any particular time – saying or writing – you think that it is not right or goes against what you think, the option to attack a journalist should not even cross your mind. At the end of the day, what do you gain from the attack?” he said.
“The woman who was the reason the journalist was attacked did not do anything. This means that what the people did, you were fine with it, what they did, they can continue with it. There would be others who would think that when they attack journalists, they can still get the coverage they need. I think that this should have been even biting enough to have been extended to the party,” he added.
Mr. Jalulah also called on journalists to be circumspect while delivering on their duties.
Source: A1radioonline.com|101.1MHz|Mark Kwasi Ahumah Smith|Ghana
