The Chairman of the National Media Commission (NMC), Yaw Boadu Ayeboafo, has criticized recent calls by the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) for media houses to blacklist two politicians accused of attacking journalists, labeling them as “dysfunctional and unproductive.”
This follows allegations that Citi FM’s Northern regional correspondent, Mohammed Aminu Alabira, was attacked by Farouk Aliu Mahama, the Member of Parliament for Yendi Constituency, during the NPP’s parliamentary primaries, and supporters of Mavis Hawa Koomson, MP for the Awutu Senya East Constituency accused of assaulting a journalist in the Central region.
Mr. Boadu Ayeboafo complained about attacks on journalists and stressed the need for victims to seek legal remedies. However, he questioned the effectiveness of blacklisting perpetrators and suggested that following the rule of law and due process would be more beneficial, while warning against the reliance on boycotts as a solution.
He believes that while it is upsetting when journalists are violently attacked, boycotting or blacking out MPs is not the most effective way to respond.
Instead, they support seeking justice through legal means rather than resorting to boycotts. It is important to condemn these acts, but not through boycotts, “we cannot fight impunity with impunity”
President of GJA, Albert Dwumfour, is however shocked and disappointed in the comments of the NMC Chair.
Mr Albert Dwumfour says he is surprised that the NMC Chair was the person to criticize them for their handling of the abnormal situation in the media. They believe that in abnormal situations, it is necessary to make extraordinary decisions and deal with things in an abnormal way.
“You deal with it abnormally, and that is the position of the GJA. I’m utterly shocked that no other person came here to use our platform to chastise us than the NMC Chair,” said the GJA President
Mr Dwumfour expected the NMC Chair to first inquire about and understand the reasons behind the GJA’s decision before criticizing it.
He questioned what the NMC has done to support the independence and freedom of the media, and emphasized that it is the responsibility of the NMC to create a conducive environment for journalists.
He also asked, when the NMC has ever punished those who attack journalists. The GJA President believes that it is important for Ghanaians to speak out against attacks on journalists and for the perpetrators to be held accountable.
