The Deputy General Secretary of People's National Convention (PNC), Huruna Mohammed, has called on the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) to be firm in its quest to seek for justice for journalists who have been assaulted by security personnel.
The call came following rising attacks on journalists by security personnel who have up till now not faced any form of prosecution.
Speaking on Atinka TV’s Flagship morning show, Ghana Nie with Bismark Brown, Huruna Mohammed observed that journalists have been brutalised on many occasions but most of the times, the issues were ironed out behind the scenes and no proper punishment were meted out to perpetrators.
Meanwhile, he argued that such issues will continue rising if they are going to be settled behind the scenes all the time, until perpetrators are made to face the law.
Huruna Mohammed, however, urged journalists to report issues of assault to their mother bodies when it occurs, while they exhibit some high level of professionalism to avoid any kind of brutalities.
“We always talk about such issues, but we must have a solution to stop this now. Journalist have a code of conduct, they know the law and must conduct themselves accordingly. If you are going into somebody's house or domain you should know your limit,” he said.
He suggested that in their quest to seek for news, or any form of information, journalists should contact the Public Relations (PR) department to also avoid any form of attack from security personnel in their line of duty.
On the same issue of journalists being brutalised, the National Youth Coordinator of PPP, Divine Nkrumah also condemned the act by the security personnel.
He noted that some security personnel were occupying certain positions they did not qualify for, therefore behave contrary to what is expected of them.
He encouraged the police, to as a matter of fact demonstrate their competence and not be swayed by the little monies they ‘beg’ from the public.
“You are there to work, if you want to beg why don’t you get a wheel chair and stand by the road side to solicit for funds rather than begging in uniform,” he said.
Ghana| Atinkaonline| Porcia Oforiwaa Ofori
