GJA condemns intimidation of journalists at Wahala demonstration

Accra March 19, GNA - The Ghana Journalists Association on Saturday condemned incidents in which journalists covering the "Wahala 2" demonstration on March 17 this year were badly heckled and assaulted by some demonstrators.

A statement signed by Ms Ajoa Yeboah-Afari, President of the Association appealed to political parties, civil society and other organisers of such events to do their utmost, to get demonstrators to appreciate and respect the role of the media.

"Hostility towards the media is uncalled for and it is counterproductive.

The GJA condemns all such incidents because they amounts to intimidation of the media and this does not augur well for democracy," the statement said.

Referring to the cases of the reporters of Citi FM and Joy FM, it said Mr Evans Mensah of Joy FM was whipped and his shirt torn by some of the demonstrators.

The GJA called on people who are aggrieved or dissatisfied with particular media houses or organization to resort to laid down channels and procedures to seek redress, including the right of rejoinder as enshrined in the constitution.

The Association however, expressed happiness about reports that some of the demonstrators went to the aid of media personnel when others attempted to molest them.

The GJA urged people to uphold values of democracy, which included even political opponents.