GJA condemns threats to four journalists

Accra, Oct. 12, GNA - The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) on Thursday condemned the latest threats issued to four journalists and said it would seek audience with the security agencies and relevant authorities to stem such acts in the future.

The four journalists, Mr Kwasi Pratt (Jr), Editor In-Chief of the 'Insight', Mr Ken Korankye, Editor of 'Searchlight', Mr Raymond Archer, Editor of the 'Enquirer', all private newspapers in Accra, and Owula Mangotey, a freelance journalist, have been accused of making derogatory remarks against the Asantehene in connection with the protracted MV Benjamin Cocaine saga.

Two groups calling themselves Asante Youth Association (AYA) and Asante United Front (AUF) issued the threats last Wednesday saying some journalists, presenters and radio callers are enemies of Asanteman and, therefore, called on all Asantes to regard them as such.

Addressing a press conference in Accra, Mr Bright Blewu, GJA General Secretary, said: 'The GJA condemns in no uncertain terms any attempt to intimidate and harass media practitioners in the performance of their professional duties.

"The laws of the country provide a realistic and credible framework for dealing with media wrongs, both perceived and real," he said. Mr Blewu said the Association urged all who felt aggrieved to make use of the Ethics and Disciplinary Council of the GJA, the National Media Commission or the law courts for redress.

"Nurturing a democracy is always a difficult and painstaking exercise, which requires all and sundry including media personnel as well as those aggrieved by the media to be tolerant and civil.

"We all must learn to apply decorum and circumspection with regard to our rights to free expression and press freedom," Mr Blewu said.

He said the Association welcomed the interest shown by various groups and the other publics in the way the media performed its duties.

"This is a right that nobody can curtail or wish away.

"Indeed it's an exercise that is desirable if we are to ensure media responsibility and accountability which helps in nurturing the right of the media.

Mr Blewu, therefore, on behalf of the Association appealed to all Ghanaians particularly civil society groups, churches, traditional authorities and lovers of peace and democracy to remain interested in media accountability.

"But they should do so through dialogue, debate, and complaints with appropriate structures and institutions rather than by threats and vilifications," he said.

Mr Blewu said the GJA would continue to encourage journalists to be sensitive to the rights of others, respect the Codes of Ethics and give the necessary respect to mechanisms, both constitutional and institutional

On Mr Prat's decision to travel to Kumasi in the wake of the threats, Mr Blewu announced that the Editor In-Chief had given an assurance to the Association to call off any trip to Kumasi, at least for now following an appeal by GJA to avoid any confrontation with the groups.