The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), has lifted a media ban on Yendi MP Farouk Aliu Mahama after he apologised on Tuesday for assaulting a Citi FM correspondent four months ago.
Farouk Mahama according to Citi FM had slapped its journalist while he was covering a scuffle over ballots sheets during the January parliamentary primaries of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
“Mohammed Alabira was caught in the violence, where he was slapped by Farouk Aliu Mahama while he was filing a live report. He said the MP’s boys took a cue from their boss and pounced on him, beating him, and eventually tearing his shirt in the process,” Citi FM said.
But after months of denial, and even threats to sue the station and the GJA, the MP finally admitted to guilt, saying that he now believes in “media freedom and I recognise the crucial role that the media plays in our democratic society.”
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“After meeting to discuss the reconciliation gesture by the MP, the pleas by the minister of information designate and deputy designate together with the positive feedback from the management of Citi TV, the GJA and its partners have decided to end the media boycott placed on Farouk Aliu Mahama, the MP of Yendi.
“We therefore respectfully, request all media organisations to take note and act according with effect from today, May 9, 2024,” said GJA president Albert Dwumfour.
Although journalists in Ghana haven’t faced much persecution like their peers elsewhere in the world, press freedom isn’t all glossy. Recently the country improved its Global Press Freedom Rankings, but the situation is still problematic according to Reporters Without Borders.
Read Also: Ghana Improves Press Freedom Rankings in 2024 , but Situation Still Problematic – RSF Index
