Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development and Member of Parliament (MP) for Awutu Senya East, Hawa Koomson, has appealed to the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) to reconsider its decision to blacklist her.
The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) on January 25, 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 David Kobbina occurred on January 4, 2024, sparking widespread condemnation. The attackers accused David Kobbina 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 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 after three weeks after the incident, the GJA has now declared a media blackout against, Hawa Koomson.
Responding to the GJA’s directive, Hawa Koomson in a statement issued by her Press Secretary noted that she is deeply concerned especially when she has vehemently denied all accusations leveled against her and her associates.”
“Acknowledging the vital role of the media in our democracy, the Minister is committed to fostering an environment that safeguards journalists in their duty. The Honourable Minister urges the GJA leadership to reconsider the blacklisting decision, emphasizing the absence of evidence implicating her in the incident,” the statement added.
She called for trust in the Ghana Police Service’s ongoing investigation to apprehend the alleged attacker.
“In the spirit of collaboration, the Office of the Honourable Minister will initiate a dialogue with the GJA leadership in the coming days to address any misunderstandings and chart a way forward, fostering a constructive relationship between the Minister and the media,” she added.
READ THE STATEMENT BELOW
Press Release – Urgent Announcement**
The Office of the Honourable Minister for Fisheries & Aquaculture Development and Member of Parliament for the Awutu Senya East Constituency expresses deep concern regarding the recent decision by the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) to blacklist any activities involving the Honourable Minister due to an alleged attack on a journalist during the NPP’s parliamentary aspirants’ vetting in Cape Coast.
While unequivocally condemning the reported incident, the Honorable Minister vehemently denies all accusations levelled against her and her associates.
Acknowledging the vital role of the media in our democracy, the Minister is committed to fostering an environment that safeguards journalists in their duty.
The Honourable Minister urges the GJA leadership to reconsider the blacklisting decision, emphasizing the absence of evidence implicating her in the incident.
The Minister calls for trust in the Ghana Police Service’s ongoing investigation to apprehend the alleged attacker.
In the spirit of collaboration, the Office of the Honourable Minister will initiate a dialogue with the GJA leadership in the coming days to address any misunderstandings and chart a way forward, fostering a constructive relationship between the Minister and the media.
End!
Kabore, Awudu Moro
Press Secretary to Hon. MAVIS HAWA KOOMSON