President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Kwabena Dwumfour has urged media houses not to feature Awutu Senya MP, Mavis Hawa Koomson, on their platforms until the perpetrators of the attack on Cape FM’s morning show host, David Kobina, are arrested.
During the New Patriotic Party’s parliamentary vetting in the Central Region on January 4, thugs alleged to be supporters of Hawa Koomson assaulted David Kobina.
This occurred after he was allegedly mistaken for another journalist, who the thugs alleged had made inappropriate comments about Hawa Koomson on UTV.
According to the GJA president, while there is nothing against the MP so far, there are concerns about the individuals surrounding her.
“We believe there are tugs, unreasonable and evil-minded people around the MP who pose serious threat to the life of journalists and other media practitioners.
“We have nothing against the MP but we are scared of the people around her. All media practitioners should stay away from Mavis Hawa Koomson,” he added.
Mr Dwumfour said the NPP leadership at both the national and regional levels should make efforts to identify and appropriately sanction the individuals responsible for assaulting David Kobina.
He also called on the Ghana Police Service to swiftly investigate and prosecute the perpetrators of the assault.
Additionally, he made calls for the identification and sanctioning of the police officer who invited the journalist and stood by while the morning show host was attacked.
“Our call for total media blackout on Honourable Mavis Hawa Koomson is with immediate effect, and until further notice.
“We may reconsider it when we see evidence of action by the NPP and the Ghana Police Service to identify, arrest and prosecute the tugs, we are following this case with keen interest and we shall periodically review it and update the general public.”
He urged all media houses to join in the call and ensure that the decision yields a strong impact.
“Let’s bear in mind there are dangerous people around Mavis Hawa Koomson,” he added.
Mr Dwumfour urged NPP officials and supporters nationwide to ensure the safety of journalists covering the NPP parliamentary primaries on Saturday, January 27.
“It is our prayer that reporters will be allowed to do their work freely without intimidation or attacks. We won’t accept or tolerate any negativity,” the GJA president said.
