Kenu's decision likely to embolden 'thugs' against journalists - Karikari

A communication’s expert and former Director of the Media Foundation for West Africa, Professor Kwame Karikari, has said the decision by Daily Graphic’s Daniel Kenu to withdraw an assault case against ex-Ghana player Baffour Gyan, Samuel Anim Addo and some machomen in the Ashanti region, might embolden others to attack journalists in the future.

Kenu was attacked by Gyan and his accomplices after he questioned his younger brother and Black Stars’ striker Asamoah Gyan over missing hiplife artiste, Castro.

Kenu wanted the Al Ain forward to respond to rumours that he used the missing musician for rituals.

Gyan was arrested and later released on bail. He was charged with assault and appeared in court last week.

But the court dismissed the case Friday, after Kenu asked for it to be withdrawn on health grounds.

Speaking to Citi News, Prof. Karikari noted that though the journalist has the right to discontinue the case, his action is discouraging to people who may want to defend the rights of media practitioners in the future.

“The action is not very good, it might not deter others but what can we do...the individual is the right person to decide what he wants”, Prof. Karikari said.

Karikari added: “I hear he was very hurt but I hope whatever conversation he is having in private would take care of him well... but it’s discouraging to people who decide to stand up for journalists".