The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Central Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Richard Asiedu to apologise over the alleged assault of journalists at Obaatanpa Radio.
This follows an incident at the radio station which reportedly resulted in the temporary closure of the station and sparked concerns over the safety of journalists and the protection of press freedom.
Addressing a press conference in Accra, President of GJA, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, described the incident as an attack on press freedom and demanded steps to restore confidence in Ghana’s media environment.
According to him, Richard Asiedu must publicly acknowledge wrongdoing, apologise to Obaatanpa Radio and the wider media fraternity, and take responsibility for the consequences of the incident.
“GJA is giving the regional chairman a seven-day ultimatum to do the right thing and restore confidence in our democratic and media environment. He must publicly admit that he acted wrongly and undermined press freedom. He should issue an unqualified apology to Obaatanpa Radio and the wider media fraternity,” he said.
Mr Dwumfour further called for compensation to the station for revenue losses allegedly incurred during the period of closure. He also urged the NDC regional chairman and all persons who accompanied him during the incident to report themselves to the police for the appropriate action to be taken.
“He should also compensate the station for the revenue lost as a result of the unlawful closure. He should report himself with all the persons who accompanied him to the police for the appropriate action to be taken and withdraw the SLAPP suit he filed at the court,” he added.
The GJA has consistently raised concerns over attacks on journalists and media organisations, insisting that the safety of media practitioners is essential to protecting Ghana’s democratic values.
Read Also:
