The Alliance for Social Equity and Public Accountability (ASEPA) has rejected the apology offered by the President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Mr. Affail Monney.

According to the group, the inability of Mr. Monney to exercise restraint and probe the matter before commenting, displays his “individualist leadership style”.

Contained in a press statement, ASEPA described the apology as a sheer afterthought. It further noted that the apology wasn’t made to promote the interest of journalists in the country.

“We reject his apology outrightly and use this opportunity to intensify our call for his removal from office immediately. It is time for him to bow out, for the GJA to undertake proper reforms that would promote the interests of Journalists in the Country.

“As the GJA President, when issues happen, you are expected to wait and get full briefings on the incident; consult the other Executive Members of the GJA and the GJA can collectively issue a statement or take a position on the matter”.

Additionally, ASEPA further explained that, Affail Monney will go down in history as the worst GJA President. As a result, an apology from him will not suffice to redeem his image.

The Group further stated that the tenure of Affail Monney has been nothing to write home about. It underscored the increasing abuse of journalists in the country and the Association’s nonchalance in addressing the issue.

“A journalist was murdered in cold blood in the country and till date the GJA; under President Affail Monney has not been able to ensure justice for the family of the journalist. Journalists live in continuous fear in the country and what Mr. Monney is interested in is winning the next elections as GJA President”.
ASEPA

GJA President apologises

ASEPA further revealed that, Mr. Monney’s jaded performance in office is due to his fear of losing the support of government. This, it explained, is as a result of his interest as the next GJA President.

“This is what motivated him to attempt to whitewash the brutal assault of Caleb Kudah by putting the blame at his doorstep”.

Affail Monney, President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) rendered an unqualified apology for his comment made regarding the arrest of two Citi FM journalists.

According to him, his comment on the matter was based on the “scanty” information he had at the time. He further disclosed that, at that time he did not know the severity of the issue.

“As I indicated, the information I had before the interview was scanty. What is available now is sufficient, as legal luminaries, distinguished ethicists, and social critics slice and dice the issue from all angles.

“I, therefore, render my sincerest apology for any misimpression created that I was insensitive to the plight of the journalists but excited about the excesses by the National Security operatives. Indeed, those excesses pass for wickedness at its most naked nastiness. And I totally denounce them.

“As a student of leadership, I have learned that a leader is not afraid to change course when confronted with fresh information which challenges his earlier assumptions”.
Affail Monney