B/A GJA Calls Off Boycott Of NDC Functions As Veep Apologises

The Brong Ahafo (B/A) Regional Branch of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) who were up in arms against the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) over recent unwarranted attacks on its members, believed to have been orchestrated by agents of the RCC and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), have lifted off its media embargo on all official NDC functions. This follows a meeting with the Executives of the B/A Regional Branch of the GJA and the Vice President, John Mahama at the weekend at Sunyani, on the instruction of the President. Addressing the meeting, the Veep is reported to have said that Media Practitioners needed to be circumspect as they help in the development of the nation. Another issue that emerged was the point that the Vice President made, that during functions, media men should be accorded the optimum respect and should be treated with dignity. He said: �Hence-forth, anytime there is a programme, specific locations will be designated for media men and there will be full protection,� John Jinapor pledged. The GJA had issued a stern warning to the officials of the RCC and its agents, including the leadership of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), that the association will not sit by unconcerned as its members are continuously subjected to attacks and harassment in the discharge of their lawful duties. In a statement jointly signed by the Regional Chairman of the GJA, Ian Motey, and his Secretary, Larry Paa Kwesi Moses, on the attacks some of its members suffered at the hands of NDC thugs in Sunyani last Saturday, the GJA resolved to boycott the coverage of all activities of the RCC and the NDC in the Region until the culprits of the attack were arrested and the security of its members guaranteed. �Under the circumstances, the Brong Ahafo Regional GJA has resolved to boycott all official functions of the Regional Coordinating Council, the Municipal and District Assemblies and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) until the culprits are arrested and brought to book�, the statement emphasized. Speaking in an interview with Joy FM, John Jinapor, Spokesperson for the Vice President, said the GJA had stated their concerns and government has responded favorably to them. �One of the key issues had to with the fact that the police ought to investigate the matter and bring whoever was responsible to book. The other issue had to do with the fact that some personal belongings were lost or destroyed; �mobile phones, watches, etc,� he stated. He added that, the Vice President had very fruitful, cordial and warm discussions with the GJA, and that all issues brought up were dealt with. Meanwhile, the Vice President has instructed the IGP that the medical bills of injured journalists should be taken care of by the state. On December 12, 2009, there was a reported incidence in Sunyani in respect of some journalists who were assaulted during the �Brong Ahafo at 50 celebrations.� The GJA however, petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Paul Tawiah Quaye, and issued a strong statement that they would boycott all activities of the NDC party unless their grievances were addressed. As a result of the meeting, John Jinapor revealed that the executives of the GJA reciprocated by indicating that the strike action would be called off. The Vice President has reassured the media practitioners in the Brong Ahafo Region and, for that matter all journalists and media practitioners that the NDC government will do whatever it can to open up the media landscape for journalists to go about their normal duties, and also offer them protection at all times.