Media Associations Rally Against MP's Assault on Reporter: Call for Blacklisting

The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has called for immediate action against Member of Parliament (MP) Farouk Aliu Mahama of Yendi, following his assault on Mohammed Aminu M. Alabira, a reporter for Citi News covering the Northern Region. This call to blacklist the MP has garnered support from key media bodies including the Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA) and the Private Newspaper Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG).

During the New Patriotic Party's parliamentary primary on January 27, 2024, violence erupted at Yendi Senior High School during the vote count. Allegations arose suggesting an Electoral Commission official had tampered with ballots belonging to Farouk Aliu Mahama's opponents, instigating the violence. In the chaos, Mohammed Alabira was assaulted by Farouk Aliu Mahama while conducting a live report.

Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, President of the GJA, conveyed the severity of the situation during a press conference in Accra, warning media outlets against offering Farouk Aliu Mahama a platform. Dwumfour emphasized that any media house breaching the blacklist would bear responsibility for any harm that befalls journalists, highlighting the critical need for solidarity and protection within the media community.

Furthermore, Dwumfour expressed disappointment over the lack of condemnation from senior members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) following the attack, citing it as indicative of a broader trend of violence against journalists. With previous incidents and intelligence suggesting orchestrated attacks on the media during and after Election 2024, the GJA urges stakeholders to take decisive action to safeguard press freedom and the safety of journalists.