Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has lifted the media blackout imposed on Member of Parliament for Awutu-Senya East and Minister of Fisheries and Aqua Culture Development, Mavis Hawa Koomson. The decision was made following engagement between the GJA and its media partners on February 15, 2024.

In a press release issued by the GJA and sighted by GhanaWeb, it was disclosed that the decision to revoke the media blackout was primarily based on Hawa Koomson's engagement with the association and her promise to facilitate justice for journalist David Kobenna, who was assaulted during the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary primaries in her constituency.

The release stated, "The decision was taken after the GJA and its media partners met on Thursday, February 15, 2024, to review the blackout imposed on the MP, who is also the Minister of Fisheries and Aqua Culture Development." It further highlighted that Hawa Koomson redeemed her promise to engage the GJA in resolving the impasse, which led to a meeting between the National Executive of the Association and the Minister at the Ghana International Press Centre.

During the meeting, Hawa Koomson assured the GJA of her commitment to supporting efforts to ensure justice for David Kobenna. She stated, "I will give you the necessary support," indicating her willingness to collaborate with the association in seeking redress for the assaulted journalist.

However, the GJA clarified that the media blackout on another MP of the ruling NPP, Farouk Aliu Mahama, the MP for Yendi, remains in force.

Background:

The media blackout on Hawa Koomson and Farouk Aliu Mahama was initiated by the GJA after the two MPs were accused of assaulting journalists during separate incidents. Hawa Koomson allegedly ordered thugs to attack a Cape FM journalist, David Kobbina, during the vetting of NPP parliamentary aspirants in Awutu Senya East Constituency. Similarly, Farouk Aliu Mahama was accused of physically assaulting a journalist during the New Patriotic Party parliamentary primary in Yendi.

The GJA's decision to lift the media blackout on Hawa Koomson underscores the importance of engagement and commitment to addressing issues of assault against journalists, emphasizing the role of cooperation between political figures and media associations in upholding press freedom and ensuring accountability for attacks on journalists.