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You can only bar Media General from pressers that address private issues - GJA to NPP
You can only bar Media General from pressers that address private issues - GJA to NPP
By: Nii Ammui Fio | 3 mins read
The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has firmly reminded the New Patriotic Party (NPP) that its decision to sideline Media General from covering press conferences cannot be extended to events concerning public interest.
According to the GJA, unless the subject matter is private, political parties have no legal grounds to exclude journalists from engaging in their constitutional duty.
During a press briefing held on April 23 at the Ghana International Press Centre, GJA President Albert Kwabena Dwumfour responded to growing tensions between the NPP and Media General.
He referenced threats made by the NPP’s 3rd National Vice Chairman, Alhaji Osman Masawudu, and cautioned that journalists are not to be dictated to when the public’s right to information is involved.
“So whenever and wherever the public interest calls, the media have a constitutional invitation and obligation to respond to the call. Thus, unless the matter or issue is private in nature, the media, in serving the public interest and right to know, have a duty to perform,” Dwumfour stated.
“So Alhaji Masawudu should not prevent the media from, or threaten to attack the media for, discharging their duty. And the NPP must not condone, or acquiesce to, his threats,” he emphasized.
This statement comes amid an escalating standoff between the ruling party and Media General, which intensified after the NPP, in January 2025, announced a boycott of all Media General platforms.
The party alleged bias and poor journalistic standards as the reason for its withdrawal.
Tensions reached a boiling point on April 16 during a press event attended by NPP General Secretary Justin Frimpong Kodua and Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin.
While proceedings were underway, Alhaji Masawudu was filmed deliberately pushing a TV3 microphone off the main table—an action that drew swift disapproval from party leadership. The microphone was promptly returned, and the media outlet allowed to continue coverage.
“That gesture by the General Secretary and the Minority Leader to restore order and allow TV3 to cover the event, although Alhaji Masawudu was not remorseful, is very commendable. We commend the NPP General Secretary and the Minority Leader for showing high sense of tolerance and maturity in the face of chaos,” the GJA acknowledged.
However, instead of de-escalating matters, Masawudu intensified the row during a radio interview the following day on Kumasi-based Ash FM. He openly admitted to removing the microphone and went further to issue threats against the network’s journalists.
“This is a warning to Media General; this is a warning to TV3. They should stay away from New Patriotic Party… The next time they joke with our programme, bo na ye be bo wo mo (we will beat them),” Masawudu said.
The GJA has condemned his remarks outright.
“The actions and comments of Alhaji Masawudu are very reckless, reprehensive and regrettable,” it said in a statement.
“His actions and comments are not only a threat to human life; they are also a threat to the lives of the rule of law and our democracy,” Dwumfour added.
The Association insists that should any Media General journalist suffer harm while covering an NPP event, full accountability will rest with Alhaji Masawudu. It has therefore called on the party to publicly distance itself from his actions and rhetoric, while urging him to retract his comments and issue an unqualified apology.
Meanwhile, Media General has officially reported the matter to the Ghana Police Service, describing the incident as “a deliberate act of aggression” and “a direct threat” to the safety of its journalists and the broader freedom of the press. The company is calling for a comprehensive investigation and firm legal action.
While condemning the threats, the GJA stressed the need for peaceful engagement between the two parties. Dwumfour disclosed that discussions between the NPP and Media General toward reconciliation had begun prior to the recent incident and urged both sides to pursue a peaceful resolution.
“In every relationship, misunderstandings may arise, but whenever they do, we must summon tolerance, magnanimity and courage to resolve them amicably.”
“We are happy to learn that long before the attacks and threats by Alhaji Masawudu, talks were far advanced towards reconciliation. The GJA is ready to support any cause for the resolution of feud and restoration of friendship,” the Association concluded.
