GJA Ethics Committee criticises Kofi Coomson

The Ethics Committee of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) on Thursday deplored the conduct of one of its members, Mr Kofi Coomson, Publisher of "Ghanaian Chronicle" for attacking the Chairperson of the Committee, Mrs Frances Ademola and calling her a liar.

"It is most unfortunate that Mr Coomson is averse to the Ethics Committee of his own professional association, legitimately set up, as part of efforts at ensuring that journalists abide by the ethics of their profession, and to promote media accountability and credibility," the committee said in a statement.

The statement signed by Mr Frank Kludje, Secretary of the Committee, said Mr Coomson alleged on a Joy FM radio programme that Mrs Ademola lied when she said he (Mr Coomson) had decided not to pursue further the case between him and Mr Elvis Aryeh, Editor of the "Daily Graphic".

This was after Mr Aryeh had refused to substantiate before the committee the serious allegation of corruption he had made against Mr Coomson.

The Ethics Committee said it considers Mr Coomson's attack on Mrs Ademola as uncalled for.

"To set the matter straight, Mr Aryeh had stated before the committee that he would only substantiate the allegations against Mr Coomson before a court of law because he did not trust Mr. Coomson.

"The obvious way forward for Mr. Coomson to clear his name was for him to take the matter to court. As far as we know, he has not yet done that and we do not think differences in perception of whether he will or will not take any further action concerning the case warrants him calling Mrs Ademola a liar."

It said Mr Coomson did not take advantage of issuing the rejoinder and it is most curious that he decides to attack the chairman of the ethics Committee after so many months.

The Committee further disputed Mr Coomson's assertion that so many people have refused to cooperate with it and said they have dealt satisfactory with complaints from the Vice President, Minister of Defence and the Director General of Prisons among others.