The President of the Ghana Journalist Association, Roland Affail Money, has called on security forces to charge and persecute various election perpetrators who caused havoc during the electoral process yesterday as voting was undergoing.
He said that such acts must be dealt with promptly in order to deter others from engaging in similar activities of violence in the future.
“It is by this reason that, the GJA is calling on the Ghana Police to charge and persecute those involved in the incident. We also call on the incumbent MP, to produce the alleged shooter to face the law.”
Speaking during a press conference on the brutality against journalist covering the polls during this year’s elections, he disclosed that some journalist despite the peaceful nature of these elections were injured due to some violent activities by perpetrators.
“About 2am today, there was a shooting incident at a coalition center today in the Ablekuma constituency. A man said to be a sympathizer of the incumbent party fired shots at the polling station which is reported to have hit a journalist by name Puis… a reporter with News Watch.com.”
He disclosed that, the journalist is currently undergoing medical treatment and is due for a medical surgery today adding that, another journalist, Doreen Ampofo of Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) sustained various forms of injuries from the same collation center.
Mr. Affail Monney then revealed that, his outfit is in touch with SIC Life Insurance company, to redeem insurance packages to the affected journalists. He then express gratitude to the insurance company for the provision of relief to the affected journalist.
He then reiterated the associations call to various political actors to refrain from harming journalist to enhance a smooth electoral process.
He then called on journalists to also be cautious in their line of activities as well as the general public.
“We also admonish the general public to refrain from the spread of fake news and information by sharing various videos.”
He commended medical personnel who took care of the various injured journalists for their good work done so far.
Giving an update on the shot journalist, his relative, revealed that, he was in a stable condition and is currently receiving medical attention.
He revealed that, despite his stability, he has eighteen broken bones and disclosed that it will take him about 18 months to recover fully. He added that, his surgery has been rescheduled to Friday due to some delays.
Narrating her ordeal, injured journalist Doreen Ampofo, with the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation revealed that, despite the gunshots which caused them to flee the scene, stones were hurdled at her due to her GJA reflector which was mistaken to be an Electoral Commission reflector. She added that, the experience in general was not pleasant and assured that she was in good condition.
