The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has issued a stern ultimatum to both the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the Ghana Police Service following allegations of assault on a journalist, Mohammed Aminu M. Alabira, by the Member of Parliament for Yendi, Farouk Aliu Mahama.

The incident reportedly took place amidst chaos during the New Patriotic Party’s parliamentary primary in the Yendi constituency on January 27, 2024. According to accounts, Farouk Mahama and his team purportedly attacked Alabira while he was covering the event.

During a press briefing held on February 6, 2024, the GJA, alongside other key media bodies such as the Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA), Private Newspaper Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG), and the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), collectively threatened to take action if the NPP and police fail to address the matter promptly.

The media groups demanded justice for Alabira and called on the NPP leadership at both national and regional levels to hold the MP and his associates accountable for their alleged actions. They urged swift action to ensure that those responsible face the consequences of their actions.

In their statement, the media bodies emphasized the urgency of the situation, giving the NPP and the Ghana Police Service a ten-day ultimatum to respond. They called for the immediate arrest of the perpetrators and emphasized the need for thorough investigations to ensure justice is served.

"We are giving the NPP, Regional and National, and the Ghana Police Service ten (10) days ultimatum each to hear from them. They should arrest the perpetrators. If they fail, we shall advise ourselves," the statement read.

Furthermore, the groups highlighted the importance of accountability and urged the Ghana Police Service to expedite their investigation into the matter. They stressed the significance of ensuring that such incidents do not go unpunished and called for the perpetrators to be brought before the court to face the full force of the law.

Meanwhile, Farouk Mahama has denied the allegations of assault on the journalist and has threatened to take legal action against his accuser. The situation remains tense as stakeholders await responses from the NPP leadership and the Ghana Police Service within the stipulated timeframe.