Legal Threat Against "Palaver" Dropped

The President of the Ghana Journalists Association, Gifty Afenyi-Dadzie, has rescinded her decision to sue the editor of the ‘Ghana Palaver’, Joojo Bruce-Quansah for defamation. Mrs Afenyi-Dadzie’s threat followed statements by Mr Bruce-Quansah, which cast doubts on her integrity. Mr. Bruce-Quansah, who was explaining why he had refused to substantiate some allegations of corruption against some journalists before the GJA ethics committee, rather ended up accusing the GJA President of corruption.

The GJA President said she felt defamed and that a legal suit against the editor of the Palaver (a pro-NDC newspaper) who is a member of the GJA is the only way to seek redress. Responding to the legal threat, Mr. Bruce Quansah questioned why Mrs Affenyi Dadzie was considering legal action instead of taking her case to the National Media Commission.


He pointed out that by taking the legal option, the GJA President will be undermining the GJA’s own campaign to have conflicts with journalists resolved at the Media Commission. Mr. Bruce Quansah however said he was ready to meet Mrs Affenyi Dadzie in court.

Latest reports however say Mrs Afenyi-Dadzie has dropped the legal threat. In a follow-up interview with JOYFM, she noted that she dropped the legal action after being advised by the President of the West African Journalists Association? Kabral Blay Amihere and other prominent people to do so. The matter will now be settled by the National Media Commission.