Kenu's decision infuriates GJA

The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) says it is disappointed in Daily Graphic’s Daniel Kenu for announcing he no longer wishes to pursue assault case against Baffour Gyan, brother of Asamoah Gyan.

His lawyers told the court Friday they have been asked by their client to withdraw the case entirely. It is unclear if the journalist has opted for an out of court settlement. But his lawyers told the court that the journalist cited family and health concerns as reasons for his decision not to seek justice.

Reacting to the decision, GJA President Affail Monney insisted the association remained resolute in its fight against impunity and violence in all guises against any journalist in the country.

Baffour Gyan, the elder brother of Black Stars captain Asamoah Gyan, reportedly led an assault on Mr. Kenu, who is the Ashanti Region Editor of the Daily Graphic.

At a press conference organised by the Ghana Football Association two weeks ago in Kumasi, Mr. Kenu wanted confirmation to allegations that Asamoah Gyan had “sacrificed” his friend and popular musician Castro when they went holidaying at Ada.

Apparently, the question angered Baffour Gyan, who allegedly organised some well-built men to assault Mr. Kenu after the conference.

Baffour turned himself in after the police declared him wanted over his alleged involvement in the incident.

He and Samuel Anim Addo, manager for Asamoah Gyan were charged with assault and later granted a Ghc30,000 bail each by the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) circuit court.

Investigations were carried out and the matter processed for court.

But dramatically, the complainant in the case, Mr Kenu turned up and said he was no longer interested in pursuing the matter.

“It is with a heavy heart that I write to inform this honourable court that I, Daniel Kenu, the regional editor of Daily Graphic, Ashanti region, and the complainant in the Baffour Gyan led assault on me, to discontinue with the case on health grounds and other related family matters,” he stated in a letter to the court.

Mr Kenu added “My recent consistent and persistent rise in my blood pressure following the trauma that I am currently going through as a result of the September 5, 2014, attack as well as the sudden death of my uncle Efo Kwame in the Eastern region, who until his death on the eve of the last hearing in court, September 12, had insisted that I let go off the case because the name of the family had been in the media too much lately, warranted his decision.”

But the GJA has expressed disappointment at the turn of events. Baffour Gyan’s lawyer also felt disappointed for travelling all the way from Accra to Kumasi only for the case to be discontinued at the request of the complainant.

Managing Director of the Graphic Communications Group, Ken Ashigbi had earlier stated that stakeholders in the media industry would ensure that anyone or group of persons who attack journalists will be made to face the full rigours of the law.

Mr Ashigbi must be feeling deflated now after his employee suddenly wrote to the court to stop the case from further hearing.

Read the letter written by Daily Graphic journalist Daniel Kenu withdrawing from court an assault case against Baffour Gyan, brother of Black Star’s Captain, Asamoah Gyan.

September 18, 2014

Box 742

Accra.

THE JUDGE

KMA CIRCUIT COURT KUMASI Dear Sir,

DISCONTINUATION/WITHDRAWAL OF ASSAULT CASE –DANIEL KENU (COMPLAINANT)

It is with a heavy heart that I write to inform this honourable court that I, Daniel Kenu, the regional editor of Daily Graphic, Ashanti region, and the complainant in the Baffour Gyan led assault on me, to discontinue with the case on health grounds and other related family matters.

My recent consistent and persistent rise in my blood pressure following the trauma that I am currently going through as a result of the September 5, 2014, attack as well as the sudden death of my uncle Efo Kwame in the Eastern region, who until his death on the eve of the last hearing in court, September 12, had insisted that I let go off the case because the name of the family had been in the media too much lately, warranted his decision.

Indeed, his fear until his death was that my mother, herself a hypertensive, could drop dead if the case dragged on because of the trauma she was equally going through.

I brushed all the pieces of advice aside in the name of justice. But when he died on Thursday, September 11, reality dawn on me that if I was not careful, my mother could also kick the bucket.

The sad incident, which has landed me at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi for a psychological assessment and a possible treatment, as well as its related matters may appear sheer coincidental, but they are too striking for me not to rethink for, an ‘unexamined life is not worth living.’

I am sorry that I may have disappointed my colleague journalists for not going through the full length of the case to seek justice and perhaps serve as a deterrent to other hooligans.

I am sure I have disappointed my love ones and supporters for my unilateral decision without recourse to them. But respectfully, this has to do with my health and my family and I wish that all those who have supported me all along will understand me.

Thank you very much and may God bless us all.

Yours Faithfully,

DANIEL KENU

COMPLAINANT