Akufo-Addo tour: No reporter was sacked – E/R GJA

The Eastern regional branch of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has described reports that a reporter with the Ghanaian Times was barred by the association from covering President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s visit to the region, as inaccurate.

A statement signed by Maxwell Kudekor, Chairman of the GJA Eastern Region, said the number of journalists expected to follow President Nana Akufo-Addo on his tour of the region were more than expected.

To this end, the statement said: “The two media vans which were supposed to carry 14 passengers each ended up carrying about 24 passengers each plying on very rough roads in most parts of the region.

“The Association drew the attention of handlers of the tour to the security implications of over-loading journalists and the possible risk attached. We requested for additional bus but it was too late to organise a third bus for the media.

“Based on past experiences on transporting journalists on Presidential tours, organisers in consultation with the Association decided to go strictly by the number of media houses invited for the tour from the second day.

“Indeed, some confrontations ensued between the Ghanaian Times reporter, Ama Takyiwaa Ampadu-Nyarko and Director of communications for the NPP, David Prah, before the tour but it was settled immediately. No reporter or any media house was "sacked" on the first day - not even the gate crashers.”

Read full statement below…

RE: GHANAIAN TIMES REPORTER SACKED AS NATIONAL SECURITY TAKES CHARGE OF PRESS CORPS SELECTION

The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) - Eastern Region has taken notice of a Ghana Web publication dated 23/11/18 with the caption "Ghanaian Times Reporter Sacked as National Security Takes Charge of Press Corps Selection."

The story written without a bar-line sort to paint the Ghana Journalists Association - Eastern Region in a distasteful light.

The GJA - Eastern Region wishes to state that the story presented is shaded with half truth, inaccuracies and intent to draw leadership of the Association into unnecessary party politicking.

The GJA - Eastern Region is noted for championing the interest and safety of journalists and media and will continue to uphold that responsibility. Our records show. It is worth noting that, the ER-GJA is NOT in bed with the NPP or the government.

The facts are that, the government communication team hinted the Association about the President's visit and we collaborated to invite 21 media houses within the region to cover the President's tour to the Eastern Region. The media houses include; Daily Graphic, Ghana News Agency, Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, TV3, Metro TV, Pan Africa Television, UtV, Citi News, Multimedia Group, Class FM, Top FM, Good Life FM, Eastern FM, Kingdom FM, Bryt Fm, Agoo FM, Obuoba FM, Radio One , Rite FM, Net 2 TV and Akyemansa FM from the Eastern Region.

Meanwhile, other members of the Presidential press corps were onboard from Accra.

On the first day of the President's visit, close to 50 media personnel came asking to join a vehicle meant for 21 media houses.

Government communication team complied and allowed ALL media houses present including gate crashers to join the bus on the first day of the tour.

The two media vans which were supposed to carry 14 passengers each ended up carrying about 24 passengers each plying on very rough roads in most parts of the region.

The Association drew the attention of handlers of the tour to the security implications of over-loading journalists and the possible risk attached.

We requested for additional bus but it was too late to organise a third bus for the media.

Based on past experiences on transporting journalists on Presidential tours, organizers in consultation with the Association decided to go strictly by the number of media houses invited for the tour from the second day.

Indeed, some confrontations ensued between the Ghanaian Times reporter, Ama Takyiwaa Ampadu-Nyarko and Director of communications for the NPP, David Prah, before the tour but it was settled immediately. No reporter or any media house was "sacked" on the first day - not even the gate crashers.

The GJA Eastern Region wishes to reiterate its commitment to protecting and promoting the safety and interest of all journalists and media practitioners in the region.

Signed Maxwell Kudekor Chairman - GJA Eastern Region