ACCRA, GHANA, FRIDAY FEBRUARY 26, 2024; *United Press for Development Network (UPDN)* extends its commendation to the leadership of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) for their prompt and resolute response in safeguarding the rights of Ghanaian journalists.
The recent incident involving the assault on David Kobina, a journalist with Cape FM during the NPP’s parliamentary aspirant vetting in the Central Region, highlights the imperative for the protection and defense of media practitioners.
UPDN stands in solidarity with the Albert Kwabena Dwumfour-led GJA and supports their call for a media blackout on the Minister of Fisheries and Member of Parliament of the Awutu Senya East constituency, Mavis Hawa Koomson. This appeal reflects a strong stance against impunity and an unwavering commitment to journalistic freedom.
As custodians of information dissemination, UPDN and GJA jointly affirm our collective determination to resist any form of abuse or intimidation directed at journalists in the course of their constitutional duties.
The proactive measures taken by the GJA demonstrate a commendable commitment to ensuring the safety and freedom of journalists.
Given that it is election year, this firm action should send a clear message to all parties, politicians, political sympathizers, and thugs in particular, that the rule of law must be upheld and that intimidation or violence against journalists will not be tolerated.
We request the Ghana Police Service to investigate and prosecute the culprits with urgency.
We call on media houses and journalists to stand united against any attempt to undermine the crucial role of the press in upholding transparency and accountability.
Journalism is not a crime.
Long live UPDN
Long live GJA
Long live Ghana!
God bless our homeland Ghana and make our nation great and strong.
Signed
*Kofi Asante Mensah*
*(President)*
Tel: 024-469-0262
Office: 0302-965-325
*National Communication Bureau*
*Kelvin Malor*
(National Organizer)
024-599-5541
*Betty Boafo*
(Secretary)
024-487-0055
*David Albert Quainoo*
(South Korea Coordinator)
+821021174780
*Eric Nana Prekoh*
(Media Relations Coordinator)
024-646-0428
*William Hayford Mintah*
(Central Region Coordinator)
024-476-6538
*Frank Darlington Haymann*
(Senior Communications Officer)
024-541-4948
-End of Statement-
