The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) has fully endorsed and supported the decision of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) to impose a total media blackout on Mavis Hawa Koomson, the Minister of State for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, and to stay away from her in any public capacity.
This decision comes as a response to the increasing number of crimes against journalists and the lack of action by the state to address these crimes.
The MFWA believes that it is crucial for the media community to take drastic measures to protect the rights and safety of journalists, considering the growing impunity for crimes against journalists. Therefore, they commend the GJA for their bold decision and appeal to all media houses and journalists in the country to adhere to it. The MFWA also suggests that the media boycott should extend to all activities of the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development as long as Mavis Hawa Koomson remains in office.
The decision of the GJA was prompted by an attack on journalist David Kobbena, who works for Cape FM, allegedly by supporters of Mavis Hawa Koomson. The attack took place on January 4, 2024, and has been strongly condemned by both the GJA and the MFWA.
David Kobbena, known as Ohene Kwame David on radio, was covering the vetting of aspiring members of parliament for the ruling New Patriotic Party when he was assaulted. According to Kobbena, he was sitting under a summer hut at the premises when two ladies approached him and accused him of insulting Hawa Koomson during a panel discussion on UTV. Despite his denial and providing evidence, a gentleman also accused him of the same. Soon after, he was attacked by around fifteen thugs who beat him.
Fellow journalists intervened and rescued Kobbena. Mavis Hawa Koomson herself arrived at the scene but left without saying a word after being briefed by the assailants. Kobbena reported the incident to the NPP executives conducting the vetting and to the Kotokoraba Police Station, where he received a medical form to seek treatment at a hospital.
The MFWA is deeply concerned about this attack on journalists and calls for immediate action. They urge the New Patriotic Party to demand answers from Hawa Koomson and take steps to identify and punish the attackers. As the assault was allegedly in retaliation for alleged insults against her, the Minister must cooperate with the police to find the culprits and clear her name.
In light of the violence and attacks on journalists during the 2020 elections, it is crucial for all political stakeholders to commit to non-violent conduct. All political parties and politicians must act lawfully and publicly denounce any supporters engaging in violent behavior.
Source: Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
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