Ghanaian MP Farouk Aliu Mahama has faced repercussions from the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) after allegedly assaulting a journalist, marking a significant move by the association to safeguard journalists amidst rising incidents of attacks.
The incident occurred during a political event involving Mahama’s New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Yaba, northern Ghana, where journalist Mohammed Aminu M. Alabira, working for Accra-based Citi TV, was covering the event. Mahama and his entourage purportedly attacked Alabira without provocation, with reports indicating that the journalist was slapped and kicked by the MP amid chaos erupting during the party’s primaries.
The assault also targeted a police officer and an election official, both of whom were later rescued by military personnel summoned to the scene.
In response to the incident, the GJA, along with three other associations, has called on media organisations to restrict Mahama’s access to media platforms. Furthermore, the GJA has issued a 10-day ultimatum to the ruling NPP and the police to apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators. The police have confirmed the commencement of investigations into the matter.
The attack on Alabira underscores the persistent threat of violence against journalists in Ghana, a situation exacerbated by the lack of accountability for such acts. This incident echoes the tragic killing of investigative journalist Ahmed Hussein-Suale in 2019, highlighting the grave dangers faced by journalists in the country.