Accra: Mr Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, the President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), has commended President John Dramani Mahama for his personal engagement with media-related issues. Mr Dwumfuor made this statement during a courtesy visit by the GJA National Executives to President Mahama at the Presidency in Accra. The delegation aimed to discuss various challenges facing the media sector in Ghana.

According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Dwumfuor highlighted the President’s directive to the Minister of Defence and Interior to investigate an incident involving an assault on a Joy News crew by soldiers. This directive follows the demolition of MacDan’s Warehouse, marking the first time in recent memory that a Ghanaian president has directly intervened in a journalist assault case. Mr Dwumfuor expressed confidence in President Mahama, citing his background as a member of the media fraternity as a reason for his proactive stance.

The GJA delegation included notable members such as Madam Rebecca Ekpe, GJA Vice President; Mr Dominic Hlordzi, General Secretary; and Mr Suleiman Mustapha, Organizing Secretary, among others. They were also joined by Mrs Gifty Affenyi-Dadzie, a former GJA President, and Mr Kwesi Pratt Junior, a veteran journalist.

Mr Dwumfuor reiterated the association’s commitment to working with the government to address attacks on journalists through collaboration with security institutions, particularly the Ghana Police Service. He also urged the government to fulfill its promise to support the medical treatment of Mr Pius Asiedu, who was injured while covering the 2020 election collation, as well as to compensate other victims of election-related violence.

President Mahama assured the GJA delegation that the investigative report on the 2020 and 2024 election violence had been received and forwarded to the Attorney-General’s Department. The department has been tasked with determining appropriate compensation for victims, including those who lost their lives. Additionally, the government plans to re-launch the Media Development Fund to further support media activities.