In a unified stance against attacks on journalists, the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA), and the Private Newspaper and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG) have issued a directive urging their members nationwide to blacklist the Member of Parliament for Yendi, Mr. Farouk Aliu Mahama.
The decision, announced at a joint press conference held in Accra on Tuesday, gained support from the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA). President of the GJA, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, addressing the press, emphasized that all media houses must withhold any coverage, interviews, or media attention from Farouk Aliu Mahama until further notice.
Dwumfour stated, “Apart from him being insensitive to the work of journalists (as demonstrated during the Parliamentary Primaries), there are vigilantes around him who may harm you. So, just steer clear of him and his thugs.”
The GJA President further urged the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) to seek justice by sanctioning the lawmaker and his associates for assaulting the news reporter, Mohammed Aminu Alabira, during the party’s recent parliamentary primary in the Yendi constituency.
Farouk Aliu Mahama, the NPP Yendi legislator, had previously denied attacking Mr. Alabira and demanded an apology from him and the Ghana Journalists Association. He also issued a demand notice of GH₵500,000 each or threatened legal action.
Highlighting the urgency of the situation, Dwumfour called on the Ghana Police Service to expedite investigations and arraign the perpetrators before the court, with the added testimony of law enforcement officers who witnessed the incident.
Lamenting the increasing attacks on journalists, Dwumfour stated that within one month in 2024, two journalists have been assaulted by politically exposed individuals without provocation. He also highlighted that more than ten journalists were assaulted in the last quarter of the previous year, and records show that from 2021 to date, four journalists spent days behind bars with no apparent legal reasons.
Dwumfour appealed to the Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akufo Dampare, to demonstrate a commitment to ensuring the safety of journalists nationwide. He also called on the Ministry of Information to intensify efforts against unwarranted attacks on journalists, urging the ministry to issue statements addressing recent cases.
Source: Simon Unyan
Hawk News GH 