A member of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Justice Lee Adoboe, has denied filing petition for an injunction seeking to prevent newly-elected GJA President, Albert Dwumfuor from being sworn in.

According to him, the petition was filed by another member of the association. He indicated the move is to resolve issues of bribery allegations which led to the resignation of the chairman for the electoral body of the GJA.

“Let’s correct this, I was not the one who filed the petition. The petition was filed by another member of GJA from Takoradi. Actually, the chairman of the western regional chapter of GJA filed that petition. So, just imagine that very close to an election, a petition is filed against one of the candidates. The issues were not resolved and the chair of GJA’s electoral body resigns and cites personal reasons and we did not hear the announcement of an appointment of an acting chair, whatsoever, and the election went ahead. What picture does that paint of the noble body of the journalist association?”
Justice Lee Adoboe

Mr Adoboe highlighted that the matters that were brought before the GJA committee for election were not resolved. Owing to this, he revealed that he has “viable information” that the chairman took a principled position to step down if things were not going to be done for justice to be served.

“The issues of bribery allegation were not resolved before the chairman stepped down and this actually paints the wrong picture of an association that is the fourth estate, that is supposed to be holding duty bearers [and] decision makers accountable of their stewardship. Then ours, we cannot open ourselves accountable, we don’t want to stand that litmus test of probity and accountability. This is why we want this matter investigated and the conclusions brought out for everybody to see.”
Justice Lee Adoboe

A call for the restructuring of GJA

The GJA member expressed that the right way to go is to ensure a “restructuring of the GJA based on the principles we stand for as journalists”. He emphasized that the truth must be told “no matter whose ox is gored”.

“So, if we ourselves, who also hold duty bearers accountable, have our organisation enmeshed in this kind of controversy and somebody wants us to sweep it under the carpet, then I do not want the kind of journalists’ organisation the fellow wants, I don’t know the kind of media the fellow wants in this country. For me, I believe that if you want to hold others to their word, then you must also be ready to be held to your word.”
Justice Lee Adoboe

Mr Adoboe opined that the injunction notice has been served to the GJA and if they do go ahead to inaugurate Albert Dwumfour as President, it would be in contempt of court.

The injunction was served to the officials of the GJA on Wednesday, June 29, a day before the swearing-in of the newly elected executives.

In the suit, Justice Lee Adoboe argued that the bribery allegation levelled against Mr Dwumfuor should have been investigated before the elections were held. He equally wants the court to issue an order for the conduct of fresh elections.