The President of the Ghana Journalists Association Mr Albert Kwabena Dwumfour has asked all media houses for a “total blackout” on all affairs relating to Mavis Hawa Koomson in any capacity whatsoever she serves.
On Thursday 25 January 2024, the GJA President said this decision was in consultation with the Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association and PRINPAG. The “total blackout” on the Awutu Senya East MP, Mavis Hawa Koomson is with immediate effect until further notice, says the GJA.
On 4th January 2024 the morning show host and journalist of Cape FM reported that he was assaulted by men in T-Shirts of the MP for Awutu Senya East Hawa Koomson at the Regional Coordinating Council in the central region. He said this was when vetting for NPP Parliamentary aspirants took place.
The GJA therefore says this decision remains in place till the NPP at the national level identifies and sanctions the culprits, while the Ghana Police Service also investigates the reported case of assault and brings to book, the culprits in the matter.
“I was approached by two ladies who asked if I was Jacob and worked at UTV, later I was accused of insulting Hawa Koomson and upon debunking the accusation I was beaten up by some men who wore the T-shirt of the Awutu Senya East MP, “ Kobena David the Cape FM journalist and morning show host said.
Veteran journalist Mr. Kwasi Pratt said it was necessary to send a signal to all, that journalists will go all out to fight against such acts. “It has been 5 years and we do not know the killers of Ahmed Suale” he stated. With freedom of the press guaranteed by the 1992 constitution, media outlets are free to operate. And freedom of the press is even more critical with a very important national exercise, election 2024, upon us – the most crucial election since 1992. He said the media must send out a signal that we will fight until journalist’s freedom is protected.
The GJA President and his executive urged all NPP supporters and members not to maltreat any journalist who goes to cover their Parliamentary Primaries slated for Saturday 27th January 2024. He reminded all journalists to make it a point to carry their branded ID cards and vests for easy identification.
GJA Calls for a media black out on Hawa Koomson.
