Intensify campaign against media attacks — Mahama urges GJA

Former President  John Dramani Mahama has called on the leadership of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) to intensify their campaign against attacks on journalists.

He said it was sad and unfortunate for journalists, the eye of the nation, to be subjected to physical attacks while performing their duties.

Addressing GJA executives who paid a courtesy call on him in Accra on Thursday, Mr Mahama said the molestation of journalists should never be tolerated in the country.

Visit

Led by the President of GJA, Mr Affail Monney, the executive of the association were there to officially inform him of the 70th anniversary of the GJA.

They also used the occasion to officially invite him and his team to grace the awards night scheduled for this year with their presence.

Mr Mahama who doubles as the flag bearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2020 presidential election, highlighted  some issues that were working against the growth of journalism in the country.

He expressed concern about the upsurge in fake news in the country where “one wakes up to hear things he did not say or do published and attributed to him.”

He said the issue, if not properly checked, could affect the image of the journalism profession, and at the same time derail national growth.

Mr Mahama also  expressed concern about the use of money to influence the media to push an agenda, describing it as unprofessional and urged the GJA to fight against it.

Touching on technology, he urged the GJA to make use of it in the face of the changing media profession, indicating that without technological advancement, the country’s journalism practice might not see the intended growth.

“If Ghanaians give me back power, I will make sure that journalists receive the needed technological training through the GJA,” Mr Mahama added.

Poor remuneration

On the poor remuneration for journalists, he called on the GJA to ensure that the minimum wage for journalists was strictly adhered to by media owners, especially private media organisations.

Mr Mahama also expressed concern about the way the National Communication Authority (NCA) was handling issues relating to media operations, saying that the “deliberate use of the law to shut down pro- NDC radio stations is not right”.

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He accused the government of “deliberately obstructing work on the court case involving pro-NDC radio stations.”

“Government keeps changing judges sitting on the case and this is not a good practice,” he said.

Mr Mahama, however, saluted the GJA for its consistent effort to promote media freedom and also urged them to fully celebrate the 70th anniversary with pride.

GJA president

In his submission, the President of GJA, Mr Affail Monney, thanked the former president for his support to the GJA during his administration.

He said the media had the responsibility to maintain the standards they had set for themselves  and also improve upon them, especially as the country moved towards the election year.

On the attacks against journalists, Mr Monney called on institutions to help stop the menace since it was counterproductive.

He also stressed the need for the avoidance of unnecessary tension among political parties,  and encouraged them to play their roles effectively to ensure  successful elections next year.