The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has issued a scathing condemnation of Alhaji Osman Masawudu, Third National Vice Chairman of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP).
The association label his threats against Media General journalists as “reckless, reprehensible, and regrettable.”
GJA President, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour declared the comments a direct threat to press freedom, democracy, and the rule of law during an urgent press briefing in Accra.
Dwumfour emphasized that Masawudu’s actions, including a viral video showing him shoving a TV3 microphone at an NPP event and subsequent threats to physically assault journalists undermine constitutional protections for media professionals.
“His actions and comments are not only a threat to human life but also a threat to the rule of law and our democracy”, the GJA president stated.
The association has demanded an immediate retraction and apology from Masawudu, warning of accountability for any harm to journalists at NPP functions.
“If the NPP Third National Vice Chairman fails to withdraw those reckless comments and threats, we shall hold him responsible for any attack on any TV3 reporter or reporters at the party’s programme or anywhere near the party’s office, and we want the whole world to likewise hold him responsible”.
The GJA urged civil society groups, diplomatic missions, and global media freedom advocates to pressure Masawudu and the NPP to safeguard journalists’ rights.
Meanwhile, Media General has formally reported Masawudu’s threats to the Ghana Police Service.
The GJA President demanded his immediate arrest to prevent escalation.
“We hereby call on the police to act decisively on this case. The police must not sit unconcerned. The police must not wait for the worst to happen before they act. We call on the Inspector General of Police and his team to immediately invite or cause the arrest of the NPP Third National Vice Chairman,” Dwumfour stressed.
Source : www.kumasimail.com /Kwadwo Owusu
