The Ghana Journalists Association ( GJA) has lifted the media blackout it imposed on the Minister of Fisheries and Aqua Culture Development, Mavis Hawa Koomson, following her pledge to support justice for a journalist who was assaulted by her supporters.
The GJA announced the decision on Friday, Feb 16, 2024, after a meeting with Ms Koomson and the Minister-designate for Information, Fatimatu Abubakar, at the Ghana International Press Centre in Accra.
The media blackout was imposed on Ms Koomson, who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for Awutu-Senya East, on January 8, 2024, to protest the attack on David Kobenna, a morning show host of Cape FM, by thugs wearing a branded T-shirt of the MP
The incident occurred on January 4, 2024, during the vetting of New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary aspirants in the Central Region, in Cape Coast.
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In a press statement issued on Friday, Feb, 16, the GJA said that the move is after consultation with their media partners and subsequently directed all media outlets to adhere to this decision.
On Thursday, February 15, 2024, Ms Koomson finally agreed to meet with the GJA and its media partners to resolve the impasse.
She was accompanied by the Minister-designate for information, Fatimatu Abubakar for the meeting, which was also attended by the GJA President, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, and other executives of the Association, as well as representatives of the media partners.
After extensive deliberations, Ms Koomson said she was sorry for the incident and promised to give the necessary support to ensure justice for Mr Kobenna.
“I will give you the necessary support to ensure justice for David Kobenna,” she affirmed,
Meanwhile, the blackout on the MP for Yendi, Farouk Aliu Mahama, remains in force, following allegations of assault against Mohammed Aminu M. Alabira, the Northern Regional correspondent of Citi FM/TV, during the NPP parliamentary primaries. The GJA and its media partners are steadfast in their stance, urging continued enforcement until a satisfactory resolution is reached.
“The GJA and its media partners are calling on all media houses to continue to enforce the blackout imposed on the MP for Yendi, Farouk Aliu Mahama,” they stated.
The GJA said it would not relent in its efforts to protect the safety and welfare of journalists and uphold the principles of press freedom and democracy in Ghana.
