GJA condemns Free Press story on Vice President

Accra, Nov. 4, GNA - The Executive of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) on Monday condemned a publication in an Accra-based newspaper on allegation of occultism against Vice President Aliu Mahama. A statement signed in Accra by Bright Blewu, the General-Secretary of GJA, said the Free Press story was "irresponsible" since the paper without any attempt to substantiate the serious allegation of occultism it leveled against the Vice President rather originated materials, which sought to cast both sludge and a slur on him.

In so doing, the Free Press story rather crudely made a mockery of the personal grief of members of the bereaved families of the dead by attempting to politicize the tragic accident.

The Association said it took a serious view of the unprofessional and unsympathetic behaviour of the Free Press and reminded all journalists of Article 16 of its Code of Ethics which states, "in cases of personal grief, distress, journalists should exercise tact and diplomacy in seeking information and publishing".

The Association therefore urged the Free Press newspaper to carry out its duty in a more professional and humane manner so that it did not drag the media into gutter.

The Free Press story followed the involvement of the Vice President's convoy in an accident a week ago in Brong Ahafo Region in which three of his security detail lost their lives.