GJA, Graphic condemn Baffour Gyan’s assault on journalist
The Ashanti Regional branch of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) and the Graphic Communications Group Ltd (GCGL) have condemned the assault on Mr Daniel Kenu, the Ashanti Regional correspondent of the Daily Graphic by some macho men led by Baffour Gyan, the elder brother of Asamoah Gyan, Captain of the Black Stars.
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Baffour Gyan was said to have been the first to assault the reporter, followed by the macho men who were with him.
Mr Kenu had gone to the Baba Yara Stadium to pick his accreditation for the Ghana-Uganda clash on Saturday when the incident happened.
A statement jointly signed by Mr Listowell Yesu Bukarson and Mr Kingsley E. Hope, Chairman and Secretary, respectively, of the GJA Ashanti branch, said what prompted the assault was the reporter’s question that urged the skipper to clear the air on rumours that he had a hand in the disappearance of hiplife artiste, Theophilus Tagoe, popularly called Castro,
That was at a press briefing organised by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) last Wednesday at the Miklin Hotel. There, the Black Stars Captain nearly confronted the reporter.
Opportunity abused
The statement said the GJA found it strange that such an opportunity given to the player should be abused and said, “it should be put on record that whether Asamoah Gyan likes it or not the rumour is out there and the reporter without any malice wished that he used the occasion to clear himself”.
“In any case, why did Baffour Gyan not lead thugs to attack Lawyer Justice Ampah when he called for the arrest of Asamoah Gyan for questioning in the wake of the Castro tragedy,” it asked.
We hope that the Regional Police Commander, COP Kofi Boakye, would not renege on his promise to deal with and prosecute them to deter others,” it said.
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The statement said it was not to say that journalists were superior beings but wondered why a journalist should be assaulted for asking a question.
Journalists cover stories with the interests of sections of the society in mind and so whether unfolding stories are negative or positive “we cover without fear or favour,” the statement pointed out.
Reacting to the incident, the Managing Director of the GCGL, Mr Kenneth Ashigbey said “we will do everything on our part to ensure that such attacks on journalist will stop”.
He noted that this was not the first time such an incident had happened and said the company would go to all lengths to seek justice for Mr Kenu.