The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has called for the immediate arrest of the Member of Parliament for Yendi constituency in the Northern Region, Hon Farouk Aliu Mahama, for allegedly assaulting Mohammed M. Alabira, a reporter of Accra based Citi TV/FM.
The GJA further condemned the actions of the New Patriotic Party lawmaker describing it as shameful and urged the general public to accordingly condemn same.
The Citi FM/TV Northern Regional Correspondent was allegedly manhandled by the Yendi legislator during the New Patriotic Party’s parliamentary election on Saturday, January 27, 2024.
The counting process of the election was disrupted by supporters of Hajia Abibata Shani Mahama Zakaria following an allegation that one of the Electoral Commission officials was destroying the ballots of the MASLOC Chief Executive Officer.
Mr. Alabira, who at the time was doing a live report, narrated the MP, slapped him from behind and kicked him as well. He added the MP’s boys took a cue from their boss and pounced on him, beating him, and eventually tearing his shirt and smashing his phone in the process.
Mr. Alabira in an interaction with THE CUSTODIAN confirmed reporting the incident to the Yendi Municipal Police where he was given a police medical form to seek medical care at the hospital over the weekend.
The GJA Northern Regional Chairman, Mr. Yakubu Abdul Majeed, in a statement issued on Sunday, January 28, said it is very sad and disturbing that this boorish and vulgar act was perpetrated by no less a person than the MP of the area.
“The GJA strongly condemns this antediluvian act. It is very sad and disturbing that this boorish and vulgar act was perpetrated by no less a person than the MP of the area. This is very shameful and must be condemned by all well-meaning citizens” he emphasized.
Mr. Yakubu stated the country is governed by the laws, and intimated such behaviors as displayed by the Yendi MP will not be entertained.
“We are by this press statement calling on the Ghana Police Service to, as a matter of urgency, arrest the MP over this barbaric act. The GJA will work assiduously with the Police to ensure that justice is served in this matter.”
The GJA Chairman further affirmed the commitment of both regional and national executives of the association to protect all Journalists in the region whilst they go about their lawful duties without hindrance.
“We, the Regional Executive, together with the National Executive, reaffirm our readiness to protect all journalists in the region especially in the performance of their lawful duties without hindrance.
“We are sounding a caution to all especially as the political season gets heated that we shall not tolerate any form of abuse on journalists from any individual or group of persons” he maintained.
Meanwhile, the campaign team of Mr. Farouk Aliu Mahama in a statement has denied assaulting the Citi FM/TV journalist during the conduct of the NPP polls.
The team said the lawmaker has consistently advocated for a peaceful and constructive political environment and does not endorse or engage in any form of violence.
“We fully support a swift and impartial investigation into the matter. We are committed to cooperating with the relevant authorities to ensure that justice is served” the statement added.
