The General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Lawyer Justin Frimpong Kodua has cautioned Ghanaians especially politicians to desist from aiming attacks on Journalists who may be doing their legitimate duties.
Speaking at the thanksgiving dinner of the Ashanti Regional Branch of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) last Friday, Lawyer Kodua noted that journalism has ensured the democracy of the country thrives.
He mentioned that people may not be pleased with the reportage of some media persons or outfits but the antidote was not to attack them or beat them up.
Lawyer Kodua expressed anger on how some media persons who had gone to report on the recent council of state elections at the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council (ARCC) were beaten and called on the Police to probe the matter to bring the culprits to book and ensure that they restore sanity into the system.
“As politicians we may not be pleased with the reports from the media but we should not be too worried when the issues the media raise are legitimate. I therefore condemn the manner some media persons were beaten at the ARCC for doing their work. I pray the Police bring the perpetrators to book soon”, the NPP scribe stated
Advice:
However, Lawyer Kodua advised the media to only report facts and the truth.
He noted that journalism has become a noble profession because the tenets of the profession was hinged on accurate and factual narrations or reportage.
The NPP General Secretary said the public have grown to love the work of journalism and place premium on reportage of Journalists.
“The Public have grown to trust the work you do as Journalists and therefore I would plead that you report only truth and facts at all times so that your integrity can speak for you”, Lawyer Kodua advised.
Prisons Commander:
Speaking at the event, Ashanti Regional Commander of Prisons, DDP Mr. James Mwinyelle commended the media for dispatching their roles with caution and tact.
He however urged them to visit the Prisons and report on conditions of inmates.
He noted the rain of 1.80gh for each immate was woefully inadequate and was affecting the quality of meals for the persons in the cells.
“I have been happy with the professional standards you’ve carried your responsibility with but I would urge that you take an interest in the issues of the Prisons and report on the happenings since our doors remain open for you”, the Commander assured.
Regional Minister:
Making an appearance, the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene lauded the efforts of the media.
He also pledged to support the efforts of the Ashanti GJA to make their practice seamless and efficient.
Chief:
Barima Fredua Agyeman, Chief of Kenyaase-Kwabre, who chaired the event, praised media persons for the work they do and charged them to keep at it.
He however urged Journalists to keep their integrity intact by reporting only the truth at all times.
ECG Representative:
Mr Aseda Manu, Public Relations Manager of the ECG commended the media for their commitment to public good.
He however asked that they give the ECG positive reportage by presenting the issues in its proper perspectives since the state outfit is only involved in power distribution and not generation.
GJA Chairman:
Kingsley E. Hope, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the GJA urged stakeholders of the Ghanaian democracy to take note of the worrying trends in the practice of journalism in the country.
He wondered why some persons including politicians find it easy to treat Journalists with contempt by attacking them in the discharge of their duties.
“I urge the Police to work to bring to book those who instigated and carried out the beating of some Journalists whose only crime was to provide coverage for the recent council of state elections in Ashanti”, Mr Hope appealed.
By Michael Ofosu-Afriyie, Kumasi.
