GJA demands arrest of Yendi MP Farouk Aliu Mahama over attack on journalist

The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has announced an immediate media blackout of Farouk Aliu Mahama, the Member of Parliament for Yendi, in response to an alleged assault on Citi FM journalist Mohammed Amin Alabira.

The incident, which reportedly involved the MP and his vigilante supporters, occurred during the Yendi New Patriotic Party (NPP)’s Parliamentary primary

This move has garnered support from several media and press associations including the Private Newspaper Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG), The Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA), and the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA).

The coalition has urged all media outlets to adhere to the embargo, warning of the responsibility for any harm that may befall journalists during this period.

GJA President, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, at a press briefing held on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, called upon the leadership of the NPP, both at the national and regional levels, to take decisive actions against the MP and his supporters to ensure justice for Alabira.

Dwumfour also appealed to the Ghana Police Service for a swift investigation and legal action against Farouk Aliu Mahama and those responsible for the attack, highlighting that law enforcement officers had witnessed the incident.

The association has given a ten-day ultimatum to the NPP and the Ghana Police Service to respond satisfactorily, hinting at potential further actions should their demands not be met.

He recalled the tragic death of investigative journalist Ahmed Suale and emphasised the need for proactive measures to prevent similar incidents.

The statement from the GJA passionately called for unity among media houses to uphold the ban on Farouk Mahama, stressing the importance of protecting journalists from politically motivated violence.

It also reminded journalists to steer clear of situations that might provoke attacks from politicians and their affiliates, invoking divine protection for those committed to their journalistic duties.