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Tag: Albert Kwabena Dwumfour

  • 2025 Africa Media Convention to be held in Morocco from 29-31st May

    2025 Africa Media Convention to be held in Morocco from 29-31st May

    The 4th Africa Media Convention (AMC) is set to be held in Marrakesh, Morocco from May 29-31st 2025 as part of commemorations for the World Media Day celebration.

    This was announced by the President of the Ghana Journalists Association, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour during a press briefing yesterday, Thursday March 13.

    According to him, “this year the 4th AMC will take place in Marakesh in Morocco from 29th May to 31st 2025”.

    The 3rd Convention was held in Accra, Ghana one which  Mr Dwumfour mentioned has “been taunted as the best convention since the inception of the AMC”.

    He called on the Ghanaian media to participate in such international activities.

    The Convention launched in 2021 by the East African Editors Forum, UNESCO Liaison Office to AU and UNECA, and UNESCO National Office in Dar es Salaam aimed at reflecting on the fundamental role of journalism, celebrating press freedom, deliberating on measures to safeguard media freedoms, promoting access to information, and to ensure the safety of journalists.

    The event was themed “The African Media We Want: Enhancing Freedom, Innovation, and Environmental Sustainability in a Dynamic World.“ It focused on evaluating press freedom, access to information, and journalist safety in Africa, while also promoting public interest media, honoring journalists who lost their lives in the line of duty, and developing strategies for media sustainability.

    The Africa Media Convention is a vibrant and dynamic event that brings together media stakeholders, policymakers, journalists, and academics from across the continent. It typically features keynote addresses, panel discussions, and case studies on various topics related to media sustainability, press freedom, and the impact of emerging technologies on journalism.

    Participants engage in thought-provoking discussions, share innovative ideas, and collaborate on solutions to address the challenges facing African media.

    The convention also serves as a platform to celebrate press freedom, pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty, and promote access to information and the safety of journalists.

  • GJA threatens to involve ECOWAS Court in Ahmed Suale’s murder case

    GJA threatens to involve ECOWAS Court in Ahmed Suale’s murder case

    The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has called for an in-depth report on the investigation into the murder of investigative journalist Ahmed Suale by the end of March 2025.

    “If by the end of March 2025, we have not seen or heard a satisfactory reaction to our demand, we shall proceed to the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) Community Court of Justice to seek resolution of this matter,”

    He said that the fact that no one had been arrested six years after Ahmed Suale’s murder was extremely regrettable and disheartening.

    “What is even more disheartening is the lackadaisical police investigations into the murder. You may recall the shocking disclosure made by the former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, in February 2024 that his office had not received from the Police any docket fit for prosecution or action on the murder of Ahmed Suale. This was five years after the murder of the investigative journalist.

    He also threatened to publish the name of the suspect he turned in to the police if they did not make the results of their investigations into the murder public.

    “Just last week, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Gomoa Central, Kwame Asare-Obeng, popularly called A-Plus, publicly indicated that he had given information to the Police Criminal Investigations Department (CID) regarding the suspected killers of Ahmed Suale.

    According to Mr. Dwumour, if the police did not provide any firm information by the end of March 2025, the GJA also planned to take the case of Latif Iddrisu, formerly of Multimedia, to the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice.

    Latif was covering a protest by some National Democratic Congress supporters when he was viciously attacked by unnamed police officers at the Criminal Investigations Department headquarters.

    His skull was injured in the attack, and he has been fighting for his life ever since.

    Police investigations, however, had been a little slow, according to the GJA President, six years after the incident.

    The President, the Attorney General, the Minister of Justice-designate, and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) should pay close attention to the matter, he suggested.

    The Association did not like the Police’s response, according to GJA General Secretary Mr. Kofi Yeboah, which is why the Association will need to proceed to the ECOWAS court if necessary.

    He stated that the Association had received sound legal advice and that if the issue was not resolved properly and as the relevant authorities had anticipated, the matter would be left to the ECOWAS court.

    He stated that the Federation fully supported GJA’s efforts to speak out against impunity and that, should the Police fail to provide Ahmed Suale, his family, and all journalists with justice, the Federation would not think twice about bringing the case before international forums, the International Court of Justice, or the UN Council.

  • Police’s professionalism towards Democracy Hub demo deserves praise – GJA

    Police’s professionalism towards Democracy Hub demo deserves praise – GJA

    President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, has praised the Ghana Police Service for their commendable professionalism in managing the Democracy Hub demonstrators.

    He noted that the police displayed a high level of professionalism despite facing significant provocation from the protesters.

    “I want to commend the Ghana Police Service for exhibiting a high level of professionalism and restraint during the recent three-day protest against Galamsey by some individuals. We note some excesses and provocations that occurred during the demonstration, and the GJA condemns these excesses,” the GJA President said in his address at the 75th GJA Awards in Accra.

    In a related development, former Deputy Attorney General Dr. Dominic Ayine has criticized the actions of the demonstrators. In an interview with TV3 on Saturday, September 28, he highlighted that although the constitution protects the right to protest, violence has no place in such activities.

    Dr. Ayine emphasized the importance of peaceful demonstrations as a cornerstone of democracy, noting that the violent actions of some protesters undermine their own cause.

    He argued that such behavior only heightens tensions and complicates the relationship between citizens and law enforcement.

    “The blocking of traffic is condemnable, the attempt to engage in fisticuffs with police is something that we should condemn. Having said that, I do not think that the activities they engaged in are sufficient reasons you say they should be detained without bail. That is where my concern is”.

  • Stop your media blackout against me or meet me in court—Hawa Koomson challenges GJA President

    Stop your media blackout against me or meet me in court—Hawa Koomson challenges GJA President

    The Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya East, Mavis Hawa Koomson, is demanding concrete evidence from the Ghana Journalist Association (GJA) to substantiate claims of her involvement in the assault on Cape FM journalist, David Kobbina, during her vetting in Cape Coast.

    In response to the GJA’s declaration of a media blackout against her, MP Koomson decried the move as unfortunate and asserted that it did not accurately reflect the circumstances.

    Expressing her intention to pursue legal action, Koomson directed her challenge towards the President of the Ghana Journalist Association, Mr. Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, and the Association as a whole.

    She urged them to retract the statement of the media blackout or furnish evidence supporting the allegations of her assault on the journalist.

    Koomson explained, “I had planned to respond to the GJA declaration, but my election activities didn’t allow me. Now that I am done with the interview, I can respond. I was in Cape Coast for vetting, and I even spoke to the media after my vetting, but no one approached me about the issue. I was quite surprised when I heard about the assault in the media space.”

    Criticizing the GJA’s handling of the matter, she stated, “I don’t think the GJA has conducted a thorough investigation into the matter before issuing the blacklist against me. The GJA President promised to send me the footage of the incident, but until now, I have not heard from him. I am challenging him to provide evidence of the assault proving that I was behind it or to apologise to me. If not, we will meet in court,” as conveyed by Mavis Hawa Koomson to Citi News.

  • Give total media blackout to Hawa Koomson – GJA president tells media houses

    Give total media blackout to Hawa Koomson – GJA president tells media houses

    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.

  • GJA President demonstrates compassion by supporting 2 orphanage homes

    GJA President demonstrates compassion by supporting 2 orphanage homes

    President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, has made a substantial donation of items valued at over GHC80,000 to support two orphanage homes. This benevolent act reflects the GJA President’s commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of those in need.

    The two fortunate beneficiary homes, namely the Faith Needy Children’s Home in Awutu Bewuanum and the Countryside Children’s Welfare Home in Awutu Bawjiase, both situated in the Central Region, have received the substantial contributions from the GJA President, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour.

    The items included boxes of Lufart antimalarials, cough syrup, paracetamol syrups, disinfectants, boxes of bathing soaps, toothpaste, and floor cleaners.

    Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, the President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), has generously provided a diverse range of items to the Faith Needy Children’s Home and Countryside Children’s Welfare Home. The donation includes boxes of milk, washing powder, detergents, toiletries, sachets of water, gallons of cooking oil, drinks, bags of sugar, sanitary pads, rice, gari, maize, beans, tomato paste, and more.

    In addition to these essentials, the GJA President extended financial support by presenting GH¢5,000 to one home and GH¢6,200 to the other. These funds are earmarked to assist with additional expenses such as water and electricity bills, reinforcing the commitment to holistic support for the well-being of the orphanage homes.

    The GJA President explained that his kind gesture was in response to the biblical commandment that urges Christians to extend love and joy, particularly to those who are less fortunate, during the Christmas season.

    “We know that Christmas is a season of love because Christmas is a season of remembrance of the Saviour Jesus Christ. It (Christmas) is a time and period of the season where we all dine with families, and loved ones and also share whatever we have, put smiles on the faces of others,” Mr Dwumfour explained.

    Representatives of the beneficiary homes were eternally grateful to the GJA President for the donation and asked for God’s blessings upon his life.

    The Administrator of Countryside Children’s Welfare Home, Mr Ernest Osei Owusu gave the assurance that the items would be put to good use and thanked the GJA President for putting smiles on the faces of the orphans and the needy during the Christmas and New Year Festivities.

    Mrs Mary Acquah, Caretaker of Faith Needy Children’s Home, also heaped praises on the GJA President for the huge support and asked God’s blessings upon his life
    She added that the donation came at the right time as the children “will remember a special day like this.”

    The GJA President was accompanied by some executives of the association as well as some senior media professionals including Kobby Asmah, former Editor of the Daily Graphic and Member of the National Media Commission, Mr Gabriel Bosompem, former General Manager at Media General and member of the National Media Commission.

    Other volunteers including Media Personality and socialite, Adu Safoa also supported the GJA President during the exercise.

    Elder Donkor of the Hebron Prayer Camp also prayed for the two orphanage homes.

  • GJA asks NPP to sanction attackers of Cape FM Journalist 

    GJA asks NPP to sanction attackers of Cape FM Journalist 

    President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Mr. Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, has called on the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to promptly conduct an investigation and take disciplinary actions against those responsible for the assault on David Kobbena, a broadcast journalist at Cape FM.

    He further urged the Ghana Police Service to swiftly initiate an investigation into the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice.

    In a significant development, calls for accountability in the assault case of Cape FM broadcast journalist David Kobbena have escalated, with demands for the sanctioning of the police officer who extended the invitation to Kobbena prior to the attack. 

    The incident has sparked concerns about professional conduct within the law enforcement agency, prompting a heightened call for immediate action.

    On Thursday, December 28, 2023, some thugs, numbering about 15 and wearing a branded T-shirt of Mrs Mavis Hawa Koomson, the Member of Parliament for Awutu-Senya East, allegedly pounced on Mr Kobbena, a morning show host of Cape FM, and beat him mercilessly without provocation. 

    This was at the Central regional vetting of parliamentary aspirants of the NPP, held at the Regional Coordinating Council in Cape Coast. 

    According to reports, the thugs mistook him for another person they alleged had insulted the MP, also the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development.  

    Based on that mistaken identity, a man believed to be a police officer invited the unsuspecting David to a distance and sought to confirm that mistaken identity.  

    Mr Kobbena denied it and produced an ID Card of his media house as evidence to support his denial, however, in the process of doing so, someone slapped him from behind and other thugs joined in the assault, beating him mercilessly. 

    Mr Dwumfour said initial investigations by the GJA confirmed the incident. 

    “This is the height of impunity and we can no longer tolerate same. While condemning the attack on David unreservedly, we make the following demands. 

    “We hereby serve notice that if by close of Friday, January 12, 2024, these demands (sanctions) have not been met, we shall advise ourselves accordingly,” he said. 

    Mr Dwumfour said: “But as we have already served notice, we shall fight back with every weapon we can marshal in our industry to repel the attacks on journalists as we go into Election 2024. And we can assure the evil plotters and doers that they cannot fight the media and win.  

    “We want to assure the media fraternity that we shall continue to defend their interests at all costs. This year, we shall continue our campaign against the obnoxious law used for criminal prosecution of free speech. We know they would be used as part of the strategy to silence the media, but we shall resist them with all force,” he said. 

    r Dwumfour advised journalists to be extremely vigilant whilst discharging their duties and report any threat to their person to the police for the necessary action t