The Ghanaian MP Farouk Aliu Mahama faces repercussions from the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) for allegedly assaulting a journalist, marking a significant stance to safeguard journalists amid rising attacks.
Reportedly, Mr. Mahama and his team attacked Mohammed Aminu M. Alabira, a journalist from Citi TV, during his coverage of a political event involving the MP’s New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Yaba, northern Ghana. The MP allegedly physically assaulted the journalist without provocation amidst chaos during the party’s primaries. Notably, a police officer and election official were also attacked but later rescued by military personnel.
In response, the GJA, along with three other associations, have urged media organizations to restrict the MP’s access to media platforms. The GJA has further issued a 10-day ultimatum to the ruling NPP and the police to apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators. The police have confirmed the commencement of investigations into the incident.
This incident underscores the persistent issue of violence against journalists in Ghana, often without appropriate consequences. In a tragic event in 2019, investigative journalist Ahmed Hussein-Suale, who collaborated with the BBC, was fatally shot near his family home in Accra by unidentified gunmen. As calls for justice echo, the need to protect journalists and uphold press freedom remains paramount.
