It would be recalled that the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) sanctioned a media blackout on the Member of Parliament (MP) for Yendi Constituency, Farouk Aliu Mahama.
It was announced by the President of the GJA, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour.
The media blackout on Farouk Mahama was a result of an alleged attack on the Northern Regional Correspondent of Citi FM, Mohammed Amin Alabira, during the just-ended NPP Primaries.
Speaking at the launch of the 75th Anniversary Celebration, Mr. Dwumfour reminded journalists that the media blackout remained in force. The GJA President made this statement as part of a greater show of concern for the unwarranted attacks against journalists.
“In recent times, journalists and media outlets have been targeted by political hoodlums while on assignment. The GJA has no choice but to take aggressive actions to combat this breach of media rights. We were forced to blacklist two important political figures whose followers attacked journalists who were performing their routine duties. Let me point out that the ban on Farouk Mahama, the MP for Yendi, is still in force,” he said.
Mr. Dwumfour expressed concern over the growing trend of unprofessionalism by some journalists and media owners. He said activities during the anniversary celebration would be used to remind journalists of their roles in society and the standards and ethics they must adhere to.
“There is also a worrying trend of unprofessional practices by a section of the media due to many factors, including a lack of appreciation for professional ethics and media ownership.
We will use this anniversary celebration to address some of these critical matters. I must emphasize, however, that the GJA will not tolerate any acts of unprofessionalism as we approach the vital election time. We shall try our best to maintain better levels of professionalism to protect our democracy,” he said.
Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1MHz|Mark Kwasi Ahumah Smith|Ghana
