Information Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah has called on security agencies to swiftly investigate complaints of threats on the lives of journalists and bring the perpetrators to book.
In a tweet, Mr Oppong Nkrumah said, A number of journalists have reported threats and at least one robbery in the aftermath of the 2020 elections.
“It has been suggested that these threats are associated with their work as journalists. It is of critical importance that our security agencies get to the bottom of these complaints and use all the legitimate means at their disposal to unmask the identities of the culprits - whatever their motives - and arrest and prosecute them with speed .
FLASHBACK: Sack Hawa Koomson and scrap SDI Ministry - Vim Lady In 2017, renowned broadcast journalist, Afia Pokua affectionately called Vim Lady advocated for the removal of the Minister for Special Development Initiative, Mavis Hawa Koomson. The Minister at the time had been caught up in the news for presenting what many described as an outrageous budget to parliament for approval. Her Ministry had presented GH¢800,000 proposed budget for website development. However, upon further probe, she indicated that the quoted figure was a typing error and that the real amount was GH¢80,000. While reacting to this, Afia Pokua during her radio show proposed the dissolution of the ministry.
Security agencies must get to bottom of attacks and threats on journalists – Oppong Nkrumah
Information Minister, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has condemned recent attacks and threats on the lives of some journalists in Ghana.
Reacting in a series of tweets on Monday, December 28, 2020, Mr Oppong Nkrumah said the security agencies must rise to the occasion and bring the persons infringing on the rights of these journalists to book.
“A number of journalists have reported threats and at least one (1) robbery in the aftermath of the 2020 elections. It has been suggested that these threats are associated with their work as journalists.
“It is of critical importance that our security agencies get to the bottom of these complaints and use all the legitimate means at their disposal to unmask the identities of the culprits - whatever their motives - and arrest and prosecute them with speed,” he tweeted on his handle @konkrumah.
Since the declaration of the election results last two weeks, members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have been mercilessly attacking media houses and personalities for being bias in their election coverage.
In the face of this, one media personality that has been attacked and criticized is UTV Presenter, Afia Pokua.
Noting such incessant attacks on media personalities, Afia Pokua also known as Vim Lady indiated that, it should not come as a surprise to Ghanaians if, in the coming days, a media person is killed in the name of elections.
Fast forward, Kevin Taylor who is a US based Ghanaian Journalist and a staunch NDC supporter has blasted Afia Pokua for her uninformed comment. According to Kevin Taylor, Vim Lady born Afia Pokua would die in the next two weeks ahead because she has destroyed Ghana’s democracy.
LIVESTREAMED: Critical Issues with Vim Lady Afia Pokua
The NDC has widely criticised the Electoral Commission s declared results of the presidential polls.
They have indicated that only forensic audits of the pink sheets will put them at ease and vindicate the EC.
Many have suggested they go to court and seek redress. This is something the party is considering but have not yet confirmed. What are the implications if they decide to?
And then the many demonstrations nationwide, by party supporters who want the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer to be declared president-elect, some of which have turned bloody. What does it mean for the peace of the country, what are stakeholders doing and what is the leadership of the country doing about it?