Ghana Journalists Network (GJN) condemns “barbaric attack” on Cape FM journalist, demands arrest of attackers.
Ghana Journalists Network (GJN) condemns “barbaric attack” on Cape FM journalist, demands arrest of attackers.
The Ghana Journalists Network (GJN) condemns the unprovoked attack on a Cape Coast-based Cape FM journalist, Mr. David Kobbina by some hoodlums of the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) on Thursday, January 4, 2024.
The GJN demands the immediate arrest and prosecution of these social miscreants to serve as a deterrent to others.
It further calls on the government, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), civil society organizations (CSOs), the diplomatic community, international agencies, and all well-meaning Ghanaians to roundly condemn the attack.
Such moves, the GJN believes, will significantly reduce the apparent political tension in the run-up to the 2024 general election.
Mr. David Kobbina among other journalists, went to report on the ongoing NPP vetting of parliamentary aspirants at the Central Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) in Cape Coast.
Whilst sitting under the RCC shed for the vetting to end, some thugs who claimed to be supporters of Hon Mavis Hawa Koomson, the Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya East, signaled him to meet them halfway.
Innocent of any ill motives to attack him, the thugs accused him of insulting Hon Mavis Hawa Koomson during a UTV discussion, but Mr. Kobbina vehemently denied knowledge of it.
To further prove his innocence of the malicious accusations, Mr. Kobbina showed them his Cape FM ID card and stated categorically that he had not been part of any UTV discussion.
Again, he clarified that he is the host of the morning political talk show on Cape FM and not a correspondent for UTV.
But firm in their faith, the miscreants whose numbers kept increasing due to the loud exchanges pounced on him.
The thugs severally slapped him from behind for something that has turned out to be a case of mistaken identity, though investigations are ongoing.
They said they will not allow anyone to dent the reputation of Honourable Hawa Koomson who is also the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development.
Mr. Kobbina was saved by his colleague journalists who rushed to the scene following Mr. Kobbina's incessant screams for help.
The case has since been reported to the NPP party executives and the police.
The GJN reminds journalists to at all times be professional in the discharge of their legal duties.
They must desist from any unguarded statement that has the tendency to derail the national peace and cohesion especially before, during, and after the 2024 polls.
However, they should not be puddled by politicians but be bold and never be intimidated by such acts of hooliganism to act unprofessionally in the discharge of their duties.
Signed
Shadrack Owusu Asante
Secretary (GJN).
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