The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has initiated a media blackout on Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Mavis Hawa Koomson in response to the assault on one of its journalists, David Kobbina.
This means the media will not cover news related to or statements made by Hawa Koomson, possibly as a form of protest.
The unfortunate attack on the journalist occurred on January 4, 2024, sparking widespread condemnation. The attackers accused the victim of insulting Hawa Koomson on a TV show, a claim the victim denied, clarifying that he worked as a morning show host of a radio station.
In reaction, the GJA president, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, called on the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to investigate and take action against those linked to the attack, while also calling on the Ghana Police Service to swiftly address the incident.
With both the NPP and the police failing to act, the GJA has now declared a media blackout against the NPP MP for Awutu Senya East, Hawa Koomson, during a press conference on Thursday, January 25, citing concerns about the safety of journalists.
Mr Dwumfour emphasised the minister’s association with individuals posing a threat to the media.
“This is the height of impunity, and we can no longer tolerate the same. We hereby serve notice that if by the close of Friday, January 12, 2024, these demands (sanctions) have not been met, we shall advise ourselves accordingly,” the GJA president said in reaction to the assault.
The blackout, endorsed by international stakeholders and senior journalists, is set to continue unless tangible actions are taken against the perpetrators.
Meanwhile, Hawa Koomson has denied any involvement in the assault, labelling the accusations as politically motivated attempts to tarnish her reputation.
In a related event, the GJA, in urging solidarity among journalists, has emphasised the need for prioritising safety in the upcoming NPP parliamentary primary elections while maintaining the highest levels of professionalism.