GJA Denounces Arrest Of News Editor David Tamakloe

The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) is deeply concerned about the arrest of David Tamakloe, Vice President of the Private Newspaper Publishers Association of Ghana, (PRINPAG) for publishing a story in his Whatsapp Newspaper about the alleged harassment of minority ethnic groups in New Edubiase.

The 1992 Constitution guarantees freedom of expression and creates avenues for persons who feel aggrieved by any media content to complain to the National Media Commission, (NMC).

To the extent that Mr. Tamakloe’s arrest relates to his journalistic work, the GJA believes the police action is unconstitutional and undermines the values of our democracy.

We urge anybody concerned about Mr. Tamakloe’s work to report him to the NMC.

As we prepare for our 8th democratic elections, the last thing our nation wants is wrongful application of police authority that derails Ghana’s democratic ascendancy. This, indeed is the reason why most Africans still revere H.E President Akufo-Addo for leading efforts to repeal the obnoxious criminal libel laws from our statute books. Neither the police nor any person or institution within the security apparatus should act in a way that embarrasses the nation.

The GJA will continue to follow, with all-consuming attention, these disturbing developments until justice is expeditiously served to assuage the concerns ignited by the circumstances and timing of Mr Tamakloe’s arrest and prosecution.

Affail Monney

President