The Northern Regional Regional Chairman of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has called for the arrest of Member of Parliament for Yendi, Alhaji Farouk Aliu Mahama for allegedly assaulting Citi FM’s reporter, describing the action as “boorish and vulgar”, saying that it shouldn’t have come from the MP.
In an exclusive interview with radio Tamale’s Fuseini Safianu on Cheche Baribi Fiila today Sunday, January 28, the GJA regional boss, Mr. Yakubu Majeed said they association has since reported the incident to the Ghana Police Service, expecting the MP to be dealt with according to the laws of the country.
“As we speak, we have already reported the matter to the police for the MP to be arrested and brought to book”, the GJA Northern Regional president told the host.
Below is statement the group released:
PRESS RELEASE: GJA condemns attack on CITI FM/TV Reporter
TAMALE, JANUARY 28, 2024 – It has officially been reported to us that Mr Mohammed Aminu Alabira, a Reporter for CITI FM/TV, was attacked at the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Parliamentary Primaries in the Yendi Constituency in the Northern Region while he was covering proceedings there.
According to Mr Alabira, while going about his professional duties on Saturday, January 27, 2024 the Member of Parliament (MP) for Yendi, Alhaji Farouk Aliu Mahama slapped and kicked him, and he fell on the ground. He added that some of the MP’s supporters also pounced on him in the full glare of the security personnel, who managed to rescue him from them.
The GJA strongly condemns this antediluvian act. It is very sad and disturbing that this boorish and vulgar act was perpetrated by no less a person than the MP of the area. This is very shameful and must be condemned by all well-meaning citizens.
The MP should know that as a law maker, we are governed by laws and behaviours such as what he displayed will not be entertained.
We are by this press statement calling on the Ghana Police Service to, as a matter of urgency, arrest the MP over this barbaric act. The GJA will work assiduously with the Police to ensure that justice is served in this matter.
We, the Regional Executive, together with the National Executive, reaffirm our readiness to protect all journalists in the region especially in the performance of their lawful duties without hindrance.
We are sounding a caution to all especially as the political season gets heated that we shall not tolerate any form of abuse on journalists from any individual or group of persons.
TO ALL MEDIA HOUSES
Yakubu Abdul-Majeed
Chairman, GJA – N/R
