GJA’s media blackout on Yendi MP a step in upholding press integrity — PRINPAG

Member of Parliament for Yendi, Farouk Aliu Mahama

The Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG) has thrown its weight behind the Ghana Journalist Association’s (GJA) decision to impose a media blackout on Yendi MP Farouk Aliu Mahama.

The GJA announced the blackout after Farouk Mahama was accused of physically assaulting a journalist from Citi FM/TV.

In a statement, PRINPAG’s Acting Executive Secretary Jeoege Wilson Kingson said they “fully support” the GJA’s action, calling it “a necessary step to uphold the integrity of the press and ensure the safety of journalists in Ghana.”

“Freedom of the press is a fundamental pillar of democracy, and any act of violence or intimidation against journalists must be strongly condemned,” the statement said.

It added that the incident involving the Yendi MP “is not only a violation of the rights of the journalist involved but also an attack on the principles of free speech and transparency.”

PRINPAG commended the GJA for “taking a firm stand against impunity and for prioritizing the protection of its members.”

The media association called on politicians and other leaders to respect the independent role of journalists.

“It is imperative that journalists are able to carry out their duties without fear of reprisal or violence,” Kingson stated.

PRINPAG pledged to continue working with groups like the GJA, the Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association and the Media Foundation for West Africa to defend press freedom.

Read full statement below:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PRINPAG Stands in Solidarity with GJA's Decision to Impose Media Blackout on MP Farouk Aliu Mahama

The Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG) expresses its full support for the decision made by the Ghana Journalist Association (GJA) to impose a media blackout on the Member of Parliament for Yendi, Farouk Aliu Mahama, in response to his assault on a journalist from Citi FM/TV.

Freedom of the press is a fundamental pillar of democracy, and any act of violence or intimidation against journalists must be strongly condemned. The incident involving Farouk Aliu Mahama (MP) is not only a violation of the rights of the journalist involved but also an attack on the principles of free speech and transparency.

PRINPAG believes that imposing a media blackout on individuals who engage in such reprehensible behavior is a necessary step to uphold the integrity of the press and ensure the safety of journalists in Ghana. We commend the GJA for taking a firm stand against impunity and for prioritizing the protection of its members.

We call on all stakeholders, including political leaders in the country, to respect the role of the media as watchdogs of society and to refrain from actions that undermine their independence or threaten their safety. It is imperative that journalists are able to carry out their duties without fear of reprisal or violence.

Once again, PRINPAG, is hereby reaffirming its commitment to promoting press freedom and defending the rights of journalists in Ghana. We will continue to work closely with the GJA, GIBA, MFWA and other relevant organizations to safeguard the principles of free speech and ensure accountability at all levels of society.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Jeoege Wilson Kingson
Ag. Executive Secretary
0244822034