Mr. Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, the President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), has called on the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to swiftly investigate and sanction the attackers of David Kobbena, a Cape FM Broadcast Journalist.
He also urged the Ghana Police Service to conduct an immediate investigation into the incident and prosecute the culprits involved.
Mr. Dwumfour expressed concern over the incident, stating, “This is the height of impunity, and we can no longer tolerate the same.”
He called for accountability not only for the attackers but also for the police officer who invited Kobbena before the assault, emphasizing the need for professional conduct.
The assault occurred on Thursday, December 28, 2023, during the Central Regional vetting of parliamentary aspirants of the NPP at the Regional Coordinating Council in Cape Coast.
Approximately 15 individuals, purportedly wearing branded T-shirts of Mrs. Mavis Hawa Koomson, the Member of Parliament for Awutu-Senya East, assaulted Mr. Kobbena, mistaking him for someone alleged to have insulted the MP.
Narrating the incident, Mr. Dwumfour stated, “In the process of denying the mistaken identity and presenting his media house's ID card as evidence, someone slapped him from behind, and other thugs joined in the assault, beating him mercilessly.”
The GJA President demanded swift action, saying, “We hereby serve notice that if by close of Friday, January 12, 2024, these demands (sanctions) have not been met, we shall advise ourselves accordingly.” He emphasized that the media would fiercely defend their interests and resist attempts to silence them.
Mr. Dwumfour urged journalists to be vigilant while discharging their duties and encouraged them to report any threats to the police for necessary action.
