The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), in consultation with its media partners, has revoked the media blackout imposed on the Member of Parliament (MP) for Awutu-Senya East, Mavis Hawa Koomson.
The Association has, therefore, urged all journalists and media houses to comply accordingly.
The decision was taken after the GJA and its media partners met on Thursday, February 15, 2024, to review the blacklist imposed on the MP, who is also the Minister of Fisheries and Aqua Culture Development.
The imposition of the blackout was meant to get justice for David Kobenna, a morning show host of Cape FM who was assaulted by thugs wearing a branded T-shirt of the MP during the vetting of New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary aspirants in the Central Region, in Cape Coast, on January 4, 2024.
This was contained in a statement issued by the GJA in Accra on Friday, February 16, 2024.
The GJA said Ms Koomson on Thursday, February 15, 2024, redeemed her promise to engage the GJA to settle the impasse by meeting the National Executive of the Association at the Ghana International Press Centre.
Fatimatu Abubakar,Albert Dwumfour & Hawa Koomson
“She was accompanied by the Minister-designate for Information, Fatimatu Abubakar, for the meeting, which was attended by the President of the Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG), Edwin Arthur, the Executive Secretary of the Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA), Gloria Hiadzi, and the Programme Manager for Freedom of Expression at the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), Muheeb Saeed.
“Also present were the Dean of the Parliamentary Press Corps, Simon Agianab, the President of the New Media Association, Eugene Nkansah; the Executive Secretary of PRINPAG, Jeorge Wilson Kingson, and Gabriel Asante Bosompem, who is one of two GJA representatives on the National Media Commission (NMC),” it stated.
The Association said, after extensive deliberations, Ms Koomson said “I will give you the necessary support” to ensure justice for David Kobenna.
It indicated that Ms Abubakar said the Awutu-Senya East MP was willing to work with the GJA to lay the matter to rest, adding that the Ministry of Information would also support in that regard.
“On behalf of the media partners, the GJA President, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, commended the Fisheries Minister for taking such positive steps to help find a solution to the problem and expressed the hope that she would live by her pledge,” it added.
Meanwhile, the GJA and its media partners called on all media houses to continue to enforce the blackout imposed on the MP for Yendi, Farouk Aliu Mahama.
The blackout was imposed on Mr Mahama for allegedly assaulting Mohammed Aminu M. Alabira, the Northern Regional correspondent of Citi FM/TV, during the NPP parliamentary primaries, on January 27, 2024.
Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong and his Bortianor-Ngleshie Amanfro colleague, Sylvester Tetteh, have the smoked pipe in Parliament.
This comes hours after the two were involved in a near fisticuff in Parliament on Tuesday, February 13, while the House was in session.
Some Scenes of the reconciliation by Hon.Ken Agyapong,Sly Tetteh with some leaders in Parliament
In a dramatic turn of events, tensions reached a boiling point as other parliamentarians found themselves needing to play peacemaker roles to prevent a physical altercation.
There was near blows in Parliament on Tuesday between Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin Central, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong and his New Patriotic Party (NPP) colleague MP, Sylvester Tetteh of Bortianor-Ngleshie Amanfro over unpaid personal loan.
Sly Tetteh had attempted to extend pleasantry with his colleague, Agyapong, when the latter got infuriated for no apparent reason, Graphic Online’s Parliamentary reporter, Daniel Kenu who witnessed the incident reported.
It was the Deputy Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markinw who swiftly stepped in to whisk Sly Tetteh away from the chamber.
Ken Agyapong clashes with Sly Tetteh in Parliament over unpaid personal loan.
A scene captured by Daily Graphic reporter
Although the issue happened at the blind side of the first Deputy Speaker, Joe Osei Owusu, who was presiding, and the fact that the two did not speak into the microphone, it got the attention of journalists and those in the public gallery.
According to Graphic Online’s reporter Daniel Kenu, Sly Tetteh owes Mr Agyapong and when the Assin Central MP confronted him for the money, Tetteh allegedly told him to take him to court, which apparently infuriated Mr Agyapong to react angrily.
Journalism Professor Kwame Karikari says the media has the right to exercise its discretion and blackout any newsmaker or public official whose actions are deemed disrespectful to the media profession.
According to him, the 1992 Constitution guarantees the independence of the media, describing it as offensive to the constitutional provisions should newsmakers, particularly, politicians assault a media practitioner.
Professor Karikari contended that if a public official, especially a minister, engages in behaviour that disrespects the principles of journalism and fails to rectify such actions, the media is well within its rights to impose a blackout.
Professor Kwame Karikari
He argued that this approach serves as a powerful tool for the media to protect its integrity and uphold journalistic standards.
“For a minister to behave like that to any sector of the media and without rectifying that action, then the politician deserves to be simply blacked out,” Professor Karikari said on JoyNews’ PM Express on Monday.
He drew attention to the fact that in the current media landscape, politicians can boycott specific media houses and not invite certain media teams to their programmes. Therefore, he argued, the media should also have the right to reciprocate such actions.
Last two weeks, the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) imposed a total media blackout on the Fisheries and Aquaculture Development Minister, Mavis Hawa Koomson.
The GJA directed journalists to avoid covering any activities involving the Awutu Senya East MP following an attack on a journalist allegedly by the MP’s thugs during the NPP’s parliamentary aspirants’ vetting in Cape Coast.
The Yendi MP, Farouk Aliu Mahama, has also been included in this total blackout after he was reported to have assaulted a Citi FM reporter during the NPP Parliamentary elections.
Although some have criticised the strategy as one which is not in the public interest, Prof Karikari clarified that while media blackout of key institutions like Parliament and the Presidency would be highly inappropriate, individual politicians who engage in disrespectful behavior towards the media should face the consequences of being blacked out.
“When you assault a journalist, you are telling the media ‘We don’t want you,’ so what business does the media have rendering a service that you claim you do not want? So for me, the media blacking out anyone is within their right.”
On the same show, the Information Minister, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah urged the GJA to ensure that thorough investigations are carried out before the blackout policy is implemented.
He noted that although the directive is a laudable one, it can be abused if left unchecked.
Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has reaffirmed the resilience of the Asante Kingdom, declaring that no efforts to sideline or denigrate it will prevail.
At a durbar held on Thursday (8 February) at the Manhyia Palace to welcome the return of looted Asante artefacts, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II emphasised the enduring strength of the kingdom despite historical adversities.
The event, known as ‘Kuntukuni Thursday,’ was marked by Asante chiefs donning black cloth in memory of the devastation brought by the Sagrenti War.
This conflict saw the British army, under Major General Garnet Wosely, launching an unprovoked assault on Asante, devastating its capital, Kumasi, and looting precious gold and ornaments. Despite the loss of over 4,000 Asante soldiers, including prominent chiefs, the kingdom persevered.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, therefore, emphasised the significance of Asante’s longstanding independence, predating the formation of Ghana.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II ,Asantehene
He underscored Asante’s unparalleled contributions to Ghanaian politics and society, calling for unity and commitment to defend the kingdom as exemplified by their forebear.
The return of seven artefacts from the Fowler Museum at the University of California symbolises a step towards reclaiming Asante’s cultural heritage. Additionally, efforts are underway for the return of 32 artefacts currently housed in the British Museum.
In his address, the Asantehene cautioned against substance abuse among the youth, stressing the importance of preserving Asante’s legacy for future generations.
Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II says he has brought the spirit and soul of Asante back after he received at the Manhyia Palace some artefacts that were looted from Kumasi 150 years ago.
Seven golden artefacts, looted from Kumasi in 1874, found their way to the Fowler Museum in California, United States.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II secured the artefacts after several failed attempts by his predecessors, including Otumfuo Agyemang Prempeh II.
A durbar of chiefs was organised at the Manhyia Palace to unveil the artefacts and also celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Sagrenti War which took place in 1874.
It is in commemoration of the 25 years of the ascendency of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II onto the Golden Stool.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene
Professor Kwasi Ampene of the Department of Music at Tufts University in Massachusetts, United States, facilitated the return of the artefacts.
He told Joy News in an exclusive interview that the Asantehene was happy about the return of the artefacts made of pure gold.
“When we came here, Otumfuo … said that he had been able to return our (Asantes) soul to its original place, “ he said.
According to Professor Ampene, a member of the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences, who has written and researched extensively on Asante culture and tradition, the items have spiritual relevance to the Asante Kingdom.
“The items are still items that have spiritual relevance to us. They are still active; they will be activated and used,” he added.
They include asipim chairs made of silver, sika amena, necklaces, armbands and anklets – all made of pure gold.
They were returned from the Fowler Museum at the University of California, United States.
Another set of artefacts is expected from the British Museum in April this year, and they will be unveiled on May 12, 2024 during the Akwasidae Festival celebrations.
Professor Ampene commended the Asantehene for initiating the return of the artefacts.
“We have to recognise Opemsuo Osei Tutu Ababio for his efforts in this because he was the one who empowered me to facilitate it. I didn’t just do it on my own but because he has initiated the whole process of trying to get it back,” he disclosed.
A technical advisor, Ivor Agyemang Duah, told JoyNews that the objects could be accessed by the general public at the Manhyia Palace Museum once the museum had undergone rehabilitation.
The former Constituency Chairman for Afigya Kwabre South in the Ashanti Region, Chairman Odeneho Kwaku Appiah (COKA), has commemorated the 150th anniversary of the Sagrenti War in a grand style.
Arriving at the Manhyia Palace with a huge entourage to grace the Kuntunkuni durbar to officially commemorate the 150th anniversary of the war on Thursday, 8th February 2024, he was clad in a black ‘batakari’ cloth.
Chairman Kwaku Appiah, who is a staunch member of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), has demonstrated great dedication and commitment towards the progress of Asanteman over the years.
He was delighted to witness the return of the regalia of Asanteman which was taken from them during the Sagrenti War exactly 150 years ago.
Background
As part of events scheduled to celebrate the Silver Jubilee of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, a symposium was held to commemorate the anniversary of the war that led to the signing of the Treaty of Fomena.
Chairman Odeneho Kwaku Appiah (COKA)
This year marks exactly 150 years since British forces looted the Asante Palace, made away with priceless regalia and completely burnt down the palace and Kumasi under the command of Sir Garnet Wolseley.
As an add-on, a book about the history of the Asantes was launched. The book was authored by Otumfuo Sir Osei Agyeman Prempeh II and edited by Prof. Tom McCaskie.
The British Museum is expected to return some stolen regalia during the Akwasidae durbar on May 12, 2024.
In a keynote address, Prof. Tom McCaskie commended Otumfuo Osei Tutu II for advocating the return of the stolen regalia. He further stated that not only was the regalia taken, the British also looted gold and gold dust from the then Asantehene, Otumfuo Kofi Karikari. He added that the value of the gold is worth more than £2 billion.
He noted that although the then Asante Kingdom was defeated, it was not annexed. He disclosed that Sir Garnet Wolseley’s decision to loot the Asante Palace and burn it down was in line with his personal ambition to lead the British army.
JOINT STATEMENT BY GJA, GIBA, MFWA AND PRINPAG DELIVERED BY ALBERT KWABENA DWUMFOUR, PRESIDENT OF THE GHANA JOURNALISTS ASSOCIATION, AT A NEWS CONFERENCE ON MEDIA BLACKLIST ON HAWA KOOMSON AND ATTACK ON CITI FM CORRESPONDENT AT YENDI, AT THE GHANA INTERNATIONAL PRESS CENTRE, ON TUESDAY FEBRUARY 6, 2024
Members of the National Executive of the GJA,
The representative of GIBA,
The representative of PRINPAG,
The representative of MFWA,
Colleague media practitioners,
Distinguished invited guests,
Ladies and gentlemen.
On behalf of the National Executives of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), I welcome you to today’s press conference. Let me reiterate our appreciation to you for your continuous support to the GJA, PRINPAG, GIBA and MFWA in our efforts at championing the rights and interests of journalists and other media practitioners in the country.
We commend all media houses who are walking the path with us by observing our earlier media blacklist decision. For the media houses and journalists who are going contrary to the call, we can only say we live to see and time will tell.
Colleagues, we are thankful for the overwhelming feedback and solidarity from everyone.
I am equally grateful to our partners; Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association, GIBA, Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana, PRINPAG and Media Foundation for West Africa, MFWA for the continuous collaborative works aimed at ensuring that journalism in this country is accorded its rightful place among all professions and that journalists’ inalienable rights and roles as enshrined in the Constitution are upheld at all times. Remember we form the Fourth Estate.
Let me also welcome our Northern Regional Chairman from Tamale, Abdul-Majeed Yakubu, and the Management Team from Citi FM/TV and the Northern Regional Correspondent of Citi FM, Mohammed Amin Alabira to today’s Press Conference.
Colleagues, on 8th and 25th of January, 2024 respectively, we held a press conference and registered our concerns and condemned the attack on the Cape FM Morning Show Host, David Kobenna on Thursday, 4th January, 2024, at the Central Regional vetting of parliamentary aspirants of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), held at the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) by some thugs numbering about 15 and wearing a branded T-shirt of Mavis Hawa Koomson, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Awutu-Senya East.
ALBERT KWABENA DWUMFOUR,GJA President
We enumerated a number of demands. To press home our demands, Colleagues, we sent petitions to the NPP, both at the national and regional levels, and the Ghana Police Service. In view of the extremely cold silence of the NPP and the Police on the case, after our earlier demands, and after extensive consultation, we escalated our actions.
Just yesterday, Madam Mavis Hawa Koomson reached out and asked to meet with us to get the issue resolved and those who attacked David sanctioned. She has now shown interest in the case and willing to engage. So we will engage her and others to find closure to the case. We are waiting!
Colleagues, just as we try to handle the unresolved David Kobenna’s attack case as you may be aware, another one occurred on Saturday January 27, 2024 at the NPP Parliamentary aspirants contest at Yendi, in the Northern Region where a Citi FM/TV Correspondent Mohammed Amin Alabira was assaulted.
This time not just the marauding thugs seeking a journalist to devour who perpetrated the act, but the Member of Parliament (MP) for Yendi, Alhaji Farouk Aliu Mahama was the one who led the onslaught. He slapped and kicked Alabira for attempting to do his work. His action invited his vigilantes around him who also pounced on the journalist and attacked him. His phone got damaged in the attack and he could not sleep for days because of the physical harm and psychological trauma that he experienced.
Colleagues, it is instructive to state here that Alabira was not the only one attacked, the Regional Police Commander, and the Electoral Commission Officer, were also made to undergo humiliating ordeals which no reasonable person and honourable Member of Parliament should engage in, but that was the case in Yendi. The MP and his thugs took the law into their own hands and engaged in unfathomable conducts that all well-meaning citizens must condemn and demand justice.
The GJA, GIBA, PRINPAG and MFWA are really shocked that after a week of this dastardly gangstarism no arrest has been made when the Regional Police Commander also tasted the ruthless actions of the thugs.
Colleagues, where have we reached as a country? For a journalist to be attacked, a senior police officer and EC official to be taken hostage in a bus after the chaos for hours only for the Military to come to their rescue and till date no arrest has been made. This should tell us that if care is not taken, this year’s election will be bloody.
Political parties and response to attacks on us.
Colleagues, though our intel suggested an orchestrated attack on the media before, during, and after election 2024, we least expect the deafening silence from high profile party bigwigs and persons who are at the helm of affairs at the Regional and National levels. We do not want to believe that they endorse the behaviour of the “professional troublemakers” in their party. After two of our colleagues have been attacked during their primaries, no senior member of the NPP leadership has reached out and condemned the attacks.
Incidents of Attack on Journalists and police lack of interest
Just within one month in this year alone two of our colleagues have been attacked without any provocation. Last year within the last quarter more than ten journalists were assaulted. Apart from the attacks, our records also show that from 2021 to date, four journalists spent days behind bars on the orders of the court for no apparent legal reasons. All these cases have not seen any closure and the perpetrators are free while the law enforcing agency, the Police seemingly looks on unconcerned.
Colleagues, we have come to the conclusion that the Ghana Police Service has failed to live up to our expectations when it comes to issues relating to the media. Are they not supposed to protect us? If our safety is at stake, how do we defend our constitutional mandate and contribute to the development of this country?
We keenly observe the swiftness with which the police arrest journalists at the instance of politicians and public officers, and yet hardly get the perpetrators of attacks on journalists charged. Unfortunately, the few who were recently charged in the case of attacks on Radio Dagbon and UTV were left off with paltry fines. It does appear that press offenses are more grievous to the establishment than offenses against the press. These attacks by vigilantes make us wonder if truly there is a ban on vigilante activities in this country.
The Police Service led by IGP Dr. Dampare should demonstrate the willingness to fight for the safety of journalists across the country. We entreat the Ministry of Information to help us in this fight. We are aware the Ministry has been trying its best with programmes aimed at ensuring the protection of the media, but we require the Ministry to do more. We are yet to see a statement from the Ministry on the Yendi and the Cape Coast case. This is rather unusual since it started issuing statements condemning such acts.
Threat of suing GJA and attacked journalists
My Colleagues, just like Madam Mavis Hawa Koomson, Farouk Aliu Mahama has also threatened to go to court over this assault case. How on earth would a perpetrator of a condemnable and shameful act rather be threatening to sue? This can only happen in Ghana where politicians with ballooned egos will be issuing empty threats after they have committed a crime. This is akin to adding insult to injury. After blatantly attacking the reporter in broad daylight and on live TV, he is threatening court action on allegations of defamation. It appears there is a sense of impunity that gives these public officials the impression that they can attack or cause an attack on journalists and media personnel and get away with it. We want to say it here and now, that we cannot be cowed and intimidated with such load of hot-air threats. The courts are not in the bosom of any politician for them to think that their negative acts will be condoned by the courts.
The Judiciary
Ladies and Gentlemen, we equally want the courts in Ghana to demonstrate their commitment to upholding freedom of expression and the safety of journalists. In this regard, we wish to appeal to the judiciary to issue more deterrent convictions for hoodlums who attack journalists.
A plea to Speaker of Parliament
We would like to call on the Speaker of Parliament, Right Honourable Speaker, Alban Sumana Bagbin to intervene in the Yendi case and haul the MP to the appropriate Parliamentary Committee to respond to his unhonourable behaviour.
Colleagues, we are happy that Parliament reconvenes today and we expect the Leadership of the House to take action to reprimand the Honourable MP for Yendi, Farouk Aliu Mahama.
Now our resolution and demands regarding the attack on the Citi FM journalist are as follows;
That all media houses must BLACKLIST and offer Farouk Aliu Mahama no media coverage, interview, etc. as the MP for Yendi and any other state position he holds until further notice. We want you to know that apart from him been insensitive to the work of journalists (as demonstrated during the Parliamentary Primaries), there are vigilantes around him who may harm you. So, just steer clear of him and his thugs.
The NPP leadership at the National and Regional levels must seek justice for our colleague, Mohammed Amin Alabira by sanctioning the MP and his hoodlums appropriately;
The Ghana Police Service should speed up with investigations into the case and arraign the perpetrators before court to face the full rigours of the law for their distasteful conduct. This time the policemen and women are witnesses to the incident as it happened.
We are giving the NPP, Regional and National, and the Ghana Police Service ten (10) days ultimatum each to hear from them. They should arrest the perpetrators. If they fail, we shall advise ourselves.
My Colleagues, it is our hope that all media houses will rally behind our call and ensure that they adhere to the directives. This is in our shared interest.
Any media house which violates the BLACKLIST declaration believing that their staff will not be attacked and goes ahead to offer their platforms to Farouk Aliu Mahama, the blood of any journalist who will be killed during this period will be on the head of owners and management of such media houses.
If we had taken action in the past, we are sure Ahmed Suale would have been alive today. Never again! Never again!
Colleagues let us also do well to avoid actions that will make unreasonable politicians and their assigns attack us.
May God strengthen us in our bond and dedication to the cause of journalists and the media in times like this.
There is an uneasy calm at Agogo in the Asante Akyem North District of the Ashanti region following the forceful closure of Salt FM.
A team from the National Communications Authority (NCA) visited the station on Tuesday, February 6, to ostensibly shut down the station over the non-renewal of its authorisation license.
The officers besieged the premises of the radio station demanding a total shutdown. This infuriated some residents of Agogo, who staged a demonstration to resist the closure.
This comes after the owner of the station, Ohene Kwame Frimpong, was prevented from holding a health walk in the community on Sunday, February 4, to declare his intention to contest the 2024 election as an independent parliamentary candidate.
Moments before the health walk on Sunday, security officers stopped organisers citing a breach of the Public Order Act, implying that they had not notified the police about the public gathering and the walk through the streets.
The closure of the radio station has added to the speculative discussions in Agogo as part of attempts to stop Mr Frimpong from contesting as an independent candidate in the upcoming general elections.
Management of the Station is yet to officially communicate to the public
The chiefs and people of Gomoa Akropong No.2 in the Central Region have performed a coronation ceremony to ‘outdoor’ a new chief with the stool name, Nana Dr Agyarkwah-Akyen II, as ‘Omankrado’ of the Gomoa Akropong Traditional Area.
The new chief, known in private life as Dr David Annan-Bonny, was enstooled on 11th March 2022, leading to the final coronation over the weekend.
The Odikro of Gomoa Akropong, Nana Odum Amfo, performed the coronation rites to officially ‘outdoor’ the ‘Omankrado’.
Present at the ceremony were traditional leaders from all walks of life, faith-based organisations, politicians, educationists, family members, among others.
The coronation exercise, which was part of activities to climax this year’s Akwambo Festival in the area, started with the performance of traditional rites, and the carrying of the new chief and the ‘queen mother’ in palanquins through the principal streets of the town amid the firing of musketry.
Also on display were the Asafo group, drumming and dancing amid the playing of fontomfrom drums, kete, aprede dance, and a musical performance by Diana Asamoah backed by the Ghana Police Service Band.
The Chief Director at the Education Ministry, Mrs Maamle Andrews, speaking at the function, reminded the people of the need to use such functions to promote the development of education in their communities.
She urged parents to encourage their children to take their studies seriously and also choose Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) courses which hold the key to job creation and a reduction in unemployment rate.
The Chief Director appealed to the communities in the area to take a keen interest in the education of their children by providing the children with their material needs to enhance their studies.
The Eastern Regional Chairman of the Ghana Chamber of Commerce, Mr Stephen Oware, who chaired the function, reminded the people of the need to let the education of their children be their priority since it is the legacy they can bequeath to them.
Again, he stated that there was a need for all to take advantage of the Free Senior High School programme to prepare their children to attain higher heights in their education.
Nana Dr Agyarkwah-Akyen II, in this appreciation message, lauded the people for the honour done him and pledged to work very hard towards the development of the area.
He was particularly happy with the kind of unity and peace prevailing in the area and urged the people to continue to live as one people.
He added his voice to the call for parents to encourage their children to embrace STEM/TVET education since that is the driving force for the economy and can also help them get jobs easily after their education.
“Let’s all strive to ensure that our children receive the best education which holds the key to the attainment of their future dreams,” he added.
Nana Dr Agyarkwah-Akyen II holds an executive master’s degree in Finance from the University of Ghana, Master of Philosophy in Public Policy and Administration and a Doctor of Philosophy in Public Policy and Administration.
Besides, he has specialised in Public Management from the Warden University in the USA. He is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Ghana (ICAG).
The Education Ministry donated assorted educational materials and equipment to the community to support the teaching and learning of TVET and STEM courses in schools in the area.
The Omankrado dancing in his palanquin during the event
The Chief Director of the Education Ministry (3rd right) presenting TVET equipment and other education materials to the community
