Josiah
The directive from the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) instructing journalists to refrain from covering activities involving Awutu Senya East Member of Parliament (MP) Mavis Hawa Koomson has faced criticism from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the constituency.
This directive came about following an attack on a journalist, Ohene Kwame David of Cape FM, during the NPP’s parliamentary aspirants vetting in Cape Coast. The NPP argues that the attack, both in its planning and execution, had no involvement from the MP’s camp, making the directive unfair.
During the incident, David reported that his assailants, wearing t-shirts with Mavis Hawa Koomson’s name, had questioned him about his reporting against the MP on UTV. He suggested that the attackers might have mistaken him for his brother, who works at UTV.
Despite denying any connection from her camp, MP Mavis Hawa Koomson called for a thorough investigation. Subsequently, the GJA issued a directive on January 25, 2024, advising journalists to avoid covering the MP.
The NPP leadership in Awutu Senya East criticized this directive as unjust. During a press conference, Michael Addy, the NPP’s Awutu Senya East constituency Secretary, expressed disappointment over the lack of updates on the investigation after the initial contact with the MP by the GJA.
Mr. Addy also took issue with a statement from the GJA president, alleging that the MP associates with individuals who commit violent acts, even in homes and mosques. He demanded a retraction of this statement and an apology to the MP.
The NPP has called on the GJA to conduct a more thorough investigation before reaching any conclusions. The party asserts that its own internal investigation within the MP’s camp found no involvement of any team members in the attack.
Source: Omanghana.com
