The Ghana Journalists’ Assocaition has called for a total media “blackout” of Member of Parliament for the Awutu Senya East and Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Mavis Hawa Koomson.
The demand arose from the inaction of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the Ghana Police Service in investigating the assault of journalist David Kobbena by the MP’s supporters during the vetting of the party’s parliamentary aspirants in the Central region on January 2, 2024.
The GJA on January 8, 2024, demanded an investigation into the assault on David Kobbena, a morning show co-host at Cape FM on January 12, but both the NPP and the Ghana police service ignored the request.
GJA President Albert Dwumfour at a presser on Thursday, January 12, indicated that “having consulted with our partner institutions, including GIBA and PRINPAG, as well as senior members of the association and heads of media institutions, the Ghana Journalists’ Association hereby calls as follows: 1. All media houses must give total blackout to Mavis Hawa Koomson and stay away from her as MP, Minister of State or any other public capacity and position she may hold. This is because, we believe there are thugs, unreasonable and evil-minded people around the MP who pose serious threats to the lives of journalists and other media practitioners. I must emphasize that we have nothing against the person of the MP but we are scared of the people around her.”
The GJA President added that the call is with immediate effect and until further notice.
The Association also demanded for the arrest and prosecution of 15 individuals alleged to be involved in the assault, a speedy investigation into the incident and the arrest and sanctioning of the police officer who witnessed the incident.
The GJA pledged to be more proactive in protecting journalists’ security, advising them to prioritise their own safety, preserve evidence, and identify properly in branded jackets.
By Nancy Vukania|TV3|Accra
