'We've consistently condemned media attacks; handed over to prosecution and court to serve as deterrent' — Oppong Nkrumah tells GJA

The Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah has reacted to the Ghana Journalists Association's (GJA) criticism of his statement regarding the recent assault on United Television (UTV) in Accra.

Mr Oppong Nkrumah emphasized that his ministry has consistently condemned attacks on media houses and journalists by individuals, political parties and organisations.

His remarks were made in light of the GJA's disappointment with his initial statement, which they believed lacked decisiveness in denouncing the attack on UTV.

In a statement signed by Kofi Yeboah, the General Secretary of GJA, it was noted that the Minister's response did not directly denounce the attack.

The GJA also pointed out the difference in the Minister's handling of the UTV incident compared to a previous incident where a journalist at Dagbon FM was assaulted by an NDC activist.

Kojo Oppong Nkrumah defended his position during an interview on the Citi Breakfast Show, stating that the allegations by the GJA were unfounded.

The Minister reiterated that the ministry's condemnation of such attacks aligns with their consistent response to previous incidents involving media houses and journalists.

He stated, “My view is that I think we have been consistent, we don’t need to break ranks, we need to put the attention where attention needs to be put [and] that is prosecution and the courts, that we stand together with them and we use them to ensure that there is deterrence."