General News of Sunday, 1 February 2015

Source: starrfmonline.com

Journos had right to boycott Manhyia - A/R GJA Chair

The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Listowel Yesubukason has said it was well within the rights of some members of the Association to boycott events at the Manhyia Palace as a protest to ‘inhumane treatment’ meted out to them.

The journalists Saturday announced their resolution to boycott events organised by Manhyia claiming most journalists have suffered hostilities at the hands of persons working at the palace of Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

The decision was taken following an attack on a journalist, while covering the 80th anniversary of the Ashanti Confederacy.

They say they would only rescind their decision if the Asantehene meets them over their concerns.

Speaking to Starr News, Mr Yesubukason said the continuous violations of rights of journalists in their line of duty can no longer be tolerated.

“I think that it is time for us to ensure that we are accorded the respect that we require as practitioners of the inky fraternity so that we are able to cover Manhyia without any hurdles, stress or pressure,” he said.

He, however, said the regional body is yet to meet to take an official position on the matter.