In a significant turn of events, the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), along with the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA), and the Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG), has announced the end of the media blackout on two Members of Parliament involved in separate assault cases against journalists.
Delivering a joint statement at the Ghana International Press Centre, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, President of the Ghana Journalists Association, highlighted the improved rating of Ghana on the Reporters Without Borders’ Press Freedom Index, moving from 62nd to 50th globally and currently standing as the 5th in Africa. He commended the collaborative efforts of media stakeholders and the government for this achievement.
“The purpose of this Press Conference is to brief you on recent developments regarding the separate cases of Media Blackout relating to assault on journalists involving two members of parliament. You will recall that on February 6, 2024, the Coalition called on all media organisations not to provide coverage to the Member of Parliament for Yendi, Farouk Aliu Mahama, in his current capacity as MP and in any future capacity, until further notice.”
Mr. Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, President of the Ghana Journalists Association
However, after exactly three months, Farouk Aliu Mahama sought a peaceful settlement, expressing regret for the incident and committing to restoring cordial relations with the media.
Accompanied by the Minister for Information designate, Honorable Fatimatu Abubakar, and her deputy designate, Honorable Sylvester Tetteh, initiated discussions with the GJA, leading to an amicable resolution.
“For his part, Honorable Farouk Aliu Mahama apologized for the assault on the Citi FM reporter and committed to working to restore cordial relations with the media in the Northern Region and the country as a whole. He informed the meeting that he had also withdrawn his suit against the GJA and was ready to meet the Management of Citi FM/TV and the journalist/victim, Mohammed Aminu Alabira, for an amicable settlement.”
Mr. Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, President of the Ghana Journalists Association
In response to this conciliatory gesture, the coalition, after assessing the situation and receiving positive feedback from the Management of Citi FM/TV, decided to lift the media boycott on Farouk Aliu Mahama, effective May 9, 2024.
Regarding the case of Hawa Koomson, a similar media blackout was imposed on January 25, 2024, following an attack on journalist David Kobbena. However, following Hawa Koomson’s commitment to engage in an amicable settlement and her subsequent action of handing over two suspects to the police, the coalition lifted the boycott.
While celebrating these developments, Mr. Dwumfour emphasized the need for continued vigilance against violence against journalists and highlighted the unresolved case of Ahmed Suale’s murder, urging authorities to intensify efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Mr. Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, President of the Ghana Journalists Association revealed, “We are glad to say that no attack on journalists has been recorded since we made these observations at our last press conference. Furthermore, there is good news on Ghana’s improved press freedom ranking as recently announced.”
The coalition also expressed concerns about the energy crisis affecting media operations and called on the government to prioritize efforts to stabilize the power supply.
Mr. Dwumfour reiterated the importance of upholding ethical standards in media coverage, especially with the upcoming 2024 elections, and invited media professionals to the African Media Convention scheduled for May 15-17 at the Accra International Conference Center.
The lifting of the media blackout marks a significant step towards fostering a conducive environment for press freedom and journalistic endeavors in Ghana.
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