The ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) has responded to the recent blacklisting of its Member of Parliament for Yendi, Farouk Mahama, by the Ghana Journalist Association (GJA).
The Communication Director of the NPP, Richard Ahiagbah, expressed concerns about the decision, citing a lack of evidence to support the allegations against the MP.
In an interview on Adom FM on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, Ahiagbah emphasized the need for the GJA to provide concrete proof of the alleged abuse before taking any action. He stated, “There is no evidence. And I’m not sure of the position of the GJA, either they are proceeding with some evidence or the comment of the journalist that he was slapped.”
Ahiagbah further highlighted that the MP has denied the accusations and has requested the journalist to retract his claims. He disclosed that Farouk Mahama intends to pursue legal action if the journalist fails to withdraw the allegations. “The MP has taken the position that he is taking the matter to court. He has given him (the journalist) the opportunity to retract his claim that he abused him. If he does not retract, he will proceed to court,” Ahiagbah stated.
Moreover, the Communication Director urged the GJA to exercise restraint in its decision to blacklist individuals, emphasizing that such actions yield no benefits. He questioned the rationale behind the blacklisting of Hawa Koomson, another NPP member, and called for clarity on the matter.
Background:
The controversy stems from an incident during the New Patriotic Party parliamentary primary in Yendi, where a journalist accused Farouk Mahama of physically assaulting him. Subsequently, the president of GJA, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, called for the blacklisting of the MP and issued a 10-day ultimatum to the Ghana Police Service and the NPP leadership to take action against Mahama and his associates.
Dwumfour emphasized the need for swift justice, urging authorities to arrest the perpetrators and bring them before the court. Failure to do so within the stipulated time frame would lead to further action from the GJA and its allied bodies.
The situation remains tense as both sides await developments in the investigation and potential legal proceedings.