GJA revokes media blackout on Hawa Koomson

The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), in collaboration with its media partners, has lifted the media blackout previously imposed on Member of Parliament (MP) for Awutu-Senya East, Mavis Hawa Koomson. The Association has urged all journalists and media houses to adhere to this decision.

This action follows a meeting held on Thursday, February 15, 2024, where the GJA and its media partners reviewed the blacklist imposed on MP Koomson, who also serves as the Minister of Fisheries and Aqua Culture Development. The initial imposition of the blackout aimed to seek justice for David Kobenna, a morning show host of Cape FM, who was assaulted by individuals wearing a branded T-shirt associated with the MP during the vetting of New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary aspirants in the Central Region on January 4, 2024.

According to a statement issued by the GJA in Accra on Friday, February 16, 2024, MP Koomson redeemed her promise to engage with the GJA to resolve the impasse. She met with the National Executive of the Association at the Ghana International Press Centre, accompanied by Minister-designate for Information, Fatimatu Abubakar, along with representatives from various media organizations and associations.

After extensive deliberations, MP Koomson expressed her commitment to providing the necessary support to ensure justice for David Kobenna. Additionally, Minister-designate Fatimatu Abubakar affirmed MP Koomson’s willingness to collaborate with the GJA to address the matter, with the Ministry of Information offering its support in this regard.

The GJA President, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, commended Minister Koomson for her proactive steps towards resolving the issue and expressed optimism that she would uphold her commitment. However, the media blackout imposed on MP for Yendi, Farouk Aliu Mahama, remains in effect. This action was taken following allegations of assault against Mohammed Aminu M. Alabira, the Northern Regional correspondent of Citi FM/TV, during the NPP parliamentary primaries on January 27, 2024.

Source: ghmediahub