Anas informed GJA about death threats - Linda Asante-Agyei

Vice President for the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Mrs. Linda Asante-Agyei, has disclosed to Rainbow Radio 87.5FM that, investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas notified them of the threats of death sent to him by some faceless individuals.

Speaking in an interview, she said, the GJA issued the statement because Anas who is a member of the association was being threatened due to his latest Number 12 piece which will be premiered tomorrow [Wednesday] June 6th, 2018 at the International Conference Centre.

‘’Anas is a member of the GJA and the threats were serious. The threats were serious because the family (wife and children) were at risk and so we had to issue a statement. The threats gave the location to his residence and so we had to issue the statement to call on the security to protect him.’’

She explained, because of the style of journalism Anas does, he goes undercover and so he cannot be exposed or unmasked. And so, for anyone to threaten him and give directions to where he resides will expose him to danger.

Mrs. Linda Asante-Agyei condemned the circulation of the ‘’fake photos’’ of Anas Aremeyaw Anas and wondered why those behind the circulation will put the lives of other individuals at risk.

She also disputed claims of selective approach in the way the GJA works following suggestions by some individuals that, the GJA issued a statement to admonish journalists to be balanced following an investigative piece on Zoomlion which was conducted by Manasseh Azure adding, the two are different and cannot be the same.

A statement signed by President of the Association, Affail Monney, said Anas "at a very young age has rendered invaluable services to the nation" and therefore requires a 24-hour watch.

Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong has vented his anger on Anas describing him as an extortionist, blackmailer and corrupt journalist.

He has threatened to expose Anas Aremeyaw Anas through ‘’Who Watches the Watchman’ a video he claims captures corrupt deals by the world acclaimed journalist. He also slammed the modus operandi used by Anas describing as entrapment.

But the GJA says the method is not problematic as suggested by some individuals. . ‘’Whatever be the case, Chapter 13 of the GJA Code of Ethics fully justifies the means by which Anas conducts his investigative works on the ground of national interest.

The GJA wishes to remind the nation of Ghana’s enviable first position on the World Press Freedom Index 2018 and the enormous economic benefits it holds for the nation. This achievement was not procured on a silver platter; it was earned through our collective resolve to promote press freedom in the country, as captured under Chapter 12 of the 1992 Constitution.

In that same spirit of unity of purpose, we must collectively resist acts, much less death threats on journalists that have the tendency to undermine our press freedom status and collective good. Even before the premiering of the undercover expose, Anas’ investigative piece has already generated international interest.



And so it is important for us to conduct our affairs in a manner that would bring dignity, not disgrace, to Ghana. The whole world is watching us,’’ the GJA statement issued last week said.