He expressed worry over the rickety vehicles given to Journalists during working visits or tours by Ministers and other Government officials- a development he indicated was a threat to the lives of journalists.

[contextly_sidebar id=”k794jIDzJ9AxXlqG4Iow6ZxlsYU8SPbw”]Mr Hope made the remarks at a press soiree organized by the KMA as part of its annual end of year meetings with journalists in the region.

He cited an incident where one of the journalists in the region sustained injuries during a tour with a Government official.

He indicated that the death of his colleague at the Ghanaian Times Newspaper, Samuel Nuamah in August 2015, must also serve as a wakeup call for authorities to see to the welfare of journalists when travelling with them to cover stories.

Mr Hope also appealed to authorities at the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council (ARCC) and the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) to always ensure better vehicles are provided for journalists when they are touring with any Government official.

The Chairman stressed that journalists also deserve to sit in V8 vehicles as the politicians and Government officials.

“Last two years or so, some of us were following the Minister for a program and there was an accident. Evans Nkum is not here and as we talk the metal that was slotted into his hand is still intact. It was all as a result of rickety vehicles given to journalists. I have been a witnessed myself. Sometimes I even feel we should boycott some of these programs because the vehicle given to us is rickety one”.

He also called on journalists to remain professional in the discharge of their duties.

Kumasi Mayor, Osei Assibey Antwi called on journalists to support the development of the metropolis.

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By: Hafiz Tijani/citifmonline.com/Ghana

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The GJA, in a statement, vehemently condemned the attack and called for immediate action.

[contextly_sidebar id=”WQi1U983IADFb3MG1w13uB9CBlkeXgh2″]Three journalists, including Citi FM’s Marie-Franz Fordjoe and two others from TV3 and Ghanaweb, were last week assaulted by security guards at the NPP’s headquarters when they were covering a demonstration by some angry party members.

The party is however yet to condemn or take action on the attack several days after the incident.

The GJA thus believes the seeming silence defeats the tenets of democracy on which the NDD was founded.

“We call on the leadership of the NPP to bring the culprits to book to demonstrate abhorrence of such dastardly act. The GJA expects that the NPP, as the ruling party and political tradition founded on the tenets of democracy, will whip its supporters into towing that philosophical line.”

MFWA also condemns attacks

Meanwhile, the Media Foundation for West Africa, has also strongly condemned the attack on the journalists.

The Foundation’s Executive Director, Sulemana Braimah, told Citi News that the party’s continuous silence on the matter will only encourage the hooligans.

“This is a matter that does not require a party having a meeting before it condemns the action. I think if this goes as it is now without any statement, apology, without any actions taken against the security people who did that, it will only further the culture of impunity, the culture of thuggery that we are witnessing in this country, and it will be extremely unfortunate. The people who abused these journalists are private security people at the party’s headquarters. And our expectation is that, at least the party will make a statement and perhaps take an action that will demonstrate to everyone including party security people that people including journalists who seek to engage with the party or make information happening within the premises know.

“The right thing to do is not to beat them, the right thing to do is not to attack them, so all that we are calling for is for the party to come up with something that will clearly state its position that it does not tolerate some of these actions. But if goes quiet, it means it is justifying whatever these party people did.”

How it happened

Following up on hints of an ongoing protest at the party’s national headquarters in Accra, the reporters headed there last Thursday to follow up on latest developments.

Upon their arrival, scores of the party’s members, numbering about 200 from the Ellembelle Constituency in the Western Region, had besieged the headquarters demanding a clean register ahead of the party’s internal elections in January 2018.

Whilst filming the happenings, they were attacked by about six well-built men who are security guards at the party’s head office.

GhanaWeb’s cameraman was slapped, thrown on the ground and kicked mercilessly by the ‘macho’ men.

When the issue was reported to the NPP Deputy General Secretary, Sam Payne upon his arrival at the scene, he retorted that, “no one asked him [the reporter] to come and film” and walked away.

Efforts by onlookers and the protesters were simply insufficient to calm the anger and energy with which the security guards were manhandling the cameraman.

TV3’s reporter earned slaps, after which his phones and other equipment were seized.

Citi FM’s reporter was also attacked by a female party loyalist and the ‘macho’ men. Her spectacles were broken, whereas her phones and bag were seized. She later was given back her items.

The Ellembelle protesters, who tried protecting the journalists, were also attacked.

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By: Marian Ansah/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Arrest NPP security men for attacking journalists – GJA appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

According to the Awards Committee, Mr. Sefa Kayi has been outstanding in the year under review. He is said to have used his brand and platform to raise funds to procure incubators to save dying babies in selected hospitals across the country.

For the first time, the overall journalist gets a three bedroom house from KOANS Building Solutions. Mr. Sefa Kayi also received a Kingsize mattress, a plaque and a certificate.

A total of 35 journalists from television, radio, print and online media, are being recognized for their hard work in producing compelling stories in 2016.

Citi FM wins 6 GJA awards; anti-galamsey campaign recognized

Citi FM strengthened its position as one of Ghana’s leading radio brands as the station bagged six awards at today’s [Wednesday] Ghana Journalists Association [GJA] awards at the Banquet Hall of the State House in Accra.

The station’s anti-galamsey campaign, ‘Stop Galamsey Now’, which was launched earlier this year, came up for special mention at the ceremony, with the station picking up an award for its unrelenting fight against the menace.

Citi FM’s flagship programme, the Citi Breakfast Show, was named the best talk-show on radio, adding to the award it won at the Chartered Institute of Marketing Ghana (CIMG) awards in September this year.

Citi FM also picked up honours for Best Political Reporting as well as an Anti-Corruption Award for the station.

Host of the station’s news analysis programme, The Big Issue, Umaru Sanda Amadu, also picked up an award for his work in development journalism, which is contributing towards the attainments of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

Another of the station’s reporters, Kojo Agyeman, who emerged first runner-up in the 2017 edition of the Ghana Mining Industry Awards, was also given a special award for his reports.

His reports were key to the #StopGalamseyNow campaign which eventually prompted the Minister of Lands and National Resources, John Peter Amewu to crack down on the illegal miners.

A six-month ban was imposed, and was eventually extended by three more months to January 2018.

List of awards won by Citi FM at the 2017 GJA Awards:

1. Special Award for the Fight Against Illegal Mining.
2. Anti-Corruption Award
3. Best Talk show (Radio)
4. Best Political Reporting
5. Development Journalism for Furthering SDGs – Umaru Amadu Sanda
6. Special Awards for Fight Galamsey – Kojo Agyeman

Some four Multimedia journalists also received awards.

Joy News’ Latif Iddrisu received award for best reporter anti narcotic. He was also awarded for his role in the anti-galamsey fight. Seth Kwame Boateng received the best feature award, for his ‘Left to Rot’ documentary, a sequel to the ground breaking Locked and Forgotten documentary he did on the country’s prisons.

Joy Sports’ Benedict Owusu also picked up the award for best Sports Journalist, broadcast category, with Myjoyonline.com’s David Andoh winning the best photo journalist award.

Other Award winners

Best Agriculture report – Seth Bokpe (Daily Graphic)

Best Feature, Education and Investigative Reporting – Alice Aryittey (GHOne)

Best Health Report – Peter Kwao Adator (TV3)

Best Sanitation and Hygiene Report – Jamila Akweley Oketchire (Daily Guide)

Most promising journalist – Portia Gabor (TV3)

Best Talk Show TV – Good Evening Ghana (Metro TV)

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By: Ebenezer Afanyi Dadzie/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Peace FM’s Sefa Kayi wins 2016 Best Journalist Award appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

He said he was hopeful the Association in the next few years will contribute to the growth of a “vibrant and critical media.”

In a statement issued on Monday, October 02, 2017, Akufo-Addo also commended the losing aspirants for conceding defeat.

“I extend warm congratulations to the entire membership of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) for the successful conduct of their elections of Friday, 29th September, 2017, which saw the selection of executives to steer the affairs of the Association for the next four years.”

“I congratulate Affail Monney on his decisive re-election as President of the GJA; Linda Asante Agyei as Vice President; Edmund Kofi Yeboah as General Secretary; Mary Mensah in-charge of Public Affairs; and Albert Tuffuor as Organising Secretary. The losing aspirants are also to be commended for graciously conceding defeat,” he statement said.

“It is my hope that the Ghana Journalists Association and its leadership, over the next four years, will continue to contribute to the growth of a vibrant and critical media that has won Ghana the reputation of having one of the most media friendly and liberal climates on the continent, and also to the enhancement of public accountability as a strategic goal of public policy,” Akufo-Addo added.

Affail Money retained his seat as President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), after a landslide victory in polls held on Friday.

Despite expectations of a stiff competition from Lloyd Evans and Johnny Aryeetey, both managed to share less than half of the total valid votes cast.

Mr. Monney garnered 310 of the 510 valid votes cast.

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By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Nana Addo congratulates Affail Monney on GJA election victory appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The association, which has been described by many as unattractive, has only few members in good standing.

A statement issued by the Elections Committee of the Association said the polls will begin from 8:00am to 4:00pm.

[contextly_sidebar id=”lBVBCzPr3Hcaj4Dhvoi9dSNiGwhkxvNc”]Candidates were expected to submit names of their polling agents to the Committee headed by Ben Batabe Assorow by close of day on Wednesday.

The election was supposed to be held in March, 2017, but was postponed because of some unresolved disputes.

At the time, Lloyd Evans, who is also contesting for the presidential position, was appealing his disqualification, and some journalists were challenging the authority of Affail Monney and his executives to organize the election.

Lloyd Evans said at the time that he would resist the decision to disqualify him and has since been reinstated.

Proxy voters have been asked to send a note duly signed for a member in good standing to vote for them. “No member will be allowed to have more than two proxy votes,” the statement said.

Eligible voters are expected to produce a GJA Identification Card or any national ID card to cast their ballot.

In all, some 656 members in good standing are expected to vote. Voters are mainly staff of state-owned media houses, whereas there are a few members from private media firms.

The incumbent GJA president, Affail Monney, faces stiff opposition from some contenders including former President of the Institute of Financial and Economic Journalists (IFEJ), Lloyd Evans.

Other contestants are Kofi Yeboah, aspiring General Secretary, Vance Azu, aspiring Organising Secretary, Francis Kokutse, aspiring Vice President and Johnnie Aryeetey, aspiring President.

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By: Ebenezer Afanyi Dadzie/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Over 650 GJA members to vote in keen elections today appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

According to him, despite being issued a unionised certificate by the Trade Union Congress (TUC) last Friday, the GJA cannot call itself a proper Union due to a lack of clarity on several issues.

[contextly_sidebar id=”Kv53CA4tFF3lMYRByUHvcleinsUbSnCZ”]Speaking on Eyewitness News on Thursday, Lloyd Evans stated that, the decision to unionize the GJA had come as a surprise to him.

He announced his intent to “seek clarification” on the status of the GJA, but only after Friday’s elections as he did not want to “rock the boat” so close to the polls.

“To be honest, I don’t know whether [GJA] is now a Union or an Association. The decision to unionize took most of us by surprise, it was announced on September 12 when we were in the middle of elections. This can’t fly in the face of the law. [The uncertainty] is very disgraceful, to say the least. The Executive, they wanted it this way and rushed for it. Most of us are surprised,” he said.

“We want to finish the election and see whether we can continue in that direction or we have to back out or modify it. For now, I don’t think we can do anything. The dust has to settle so we can pick up the pieces. I’ve been a Union Member before as a union report in [Daily] Graphic for nearly six years and I know the process, for now, we are nothing.”

Lloyd Evans suggested that, there might be some legal issues with the conversion of the GJA to a Union, adding that the situation might put the eligibility of all the candidates into question.

“How can you turn a voluntary organisation, an association or body with retired journalists, senior managers and other journalists into a Union. I’m wondering whether they averted their mind to the Labour Act 651, where it is stated clearly, how to form a Union. We are looking for further clarification. As we stand, am I a member of a Union or am I a member of an association?” he queried.

“We should all stand down [from the elections] immediately, and it’s surprising that the chairman of the election committee hasn’t averted his mind to it. I’m retired and can’t be in a Union and all the editors, like Affail Monney and David Agbanu would all have to step down. If it’s a Union we would all have to step down.”

Lloyd Evans, who is up against incumbent GJA president Roland Affail Monney in Friday’s polls, believes that a change in leadership is necessary for the progress of the Association.

“This election is about leadership, we need to get the right calibre of people to lead the association. Leadership that will not criticize its own people but will rather support them, empower them, encourage them to move forward,” he said.

“We are looking for a leader who is not self-centered, but people-centered, always taking into consideration the welfare of its members, and I’m that person, and I can assure you when I’m elected God willing, you will all be glad to be members of the association.”

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By: Ann-Shirley Ziwu and Edwin Kwakofi/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Uncertainty over GJA unionised status ‘disgraceful’ – Lloyd Evans appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

This is after the Trade Union Congress (TUC) today [Friday], issued a unionized certificate to the GJA, 60 years after the association was formed.

Speaking at a ceremony to receive the certificate, the GJA President, Affail Money, said the Association would use its new bargaining power to improve the working conditions of journalists, and not to attack employers.

“Unionized employees make an average of 30 percent more pay than non-unionized workers. 92 percent of unionized workers have health-related coverage. Union workers also enjoy guaranteed pensions. These facts and much more contrast sharply with the general conditions of media workers in Ghana,” he observed.

Some workers in media are known to be poorly paid, as Mr. Money pointed out.

Workers of the New Times Corporation, producers of the Ghanaian Times Newspaper, recently demonstrated against their management for better conditions of service.

However, Mr. Money said this “pitiable, ignoble and horrible narrative will be consigned to the dustbin of history as the GJA has been legally empowered to fight for the industrial and professional rights of media workers in Ghana.”

In this light, the GJA will be rolling out “an immediate, massive and expansive drive to register all non-union media workers in Ghana, especially those in the private sector.”

“All media workers must maximize this unique window of opportunity to register. All GJA regional executives must facilitate this bold venture,” Mr. Money added.

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By: Anass Seidu/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post GJA now a recognized union; calls for new members appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

This comes on the back of a statement issued by the GJA cautioning the media to refrain from destroying local entrepreneurs and local businesses in the name of investigative journalism.

“We (the media) should also be mindful of using the media to wage a smear campaign against individuals especially local businesses and personalities who have made substantial contribution to the growth of the economy …,” the GJA said in the statement.

The GJA’s call came in the wake of the Jospong Group’s [owners of, Zoomlion and other subsidiaries] denial of claims that it inflated the cost of a contract it had with the Mahama government to supply waste bins.

The MFWA in a rebuttal however wondered why the GJA gave such a directive, especially when it failed to provide context or reference to “any specific recent or past instances that could warrant the unusual cautionary note.”

According to the MFWA, the GJA issued this without “pointing to any specific instances, examples or evidence in the past or present, of any acts of smear campaign by any investigative journalist(s) against any personalities or businesses, local or foreign.”

“Given the palpable absence of context and the lack of reference to any specific recent or past instances that could warrant the unusual cautionary note from the GJA, one is compelled to seek answers to the following consequential questions from the GJA:What is the basis of the release? What is the underlining reason for the release? Who have been tried and pronounced guilty in and by the media? Who is waging a smear campaign in the media and against which local businesses or personalities? What are the specific instances of unfair, unbalanced, fabricated reporting by an investigative journalist? Responses to the above questions by the leadership of the GJA will help clear any doubts about the agenda the leadership of the association sought to set with the unusual statement,” the MFWA added.

It therefore urged reporters  who “are committed to the true values of journalism to remain unwavering in their fight against corruption.”

The MFWA declared its support for reporters interested in exposing corruption , saying “we remain committed to supporting the few honest, dedicated and selfless journalists who continue to risk their lives and work tirelessly to expose corrupt personalities and businesses who perpetrate fraud on the nation. Corrupt personalities and businesses must be exposed by the media and punished by the state whether they are Ghanaian or foreign.”

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By: Marian Ansah/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Stop undermining anti-corruption journalism – MFWA warns GJA appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The GJA, in a statement, signed by its President, Affail Monney, said journalists engaging in investigative reporting must be “strictly guided by ethical values and especially the GJA code of Ethics.”

[contextly_sidebar id=”teww3Fgrf3Hoz169dH3Q4S44CMIWIHyw”]It called for the stories in this field to be balanced and that “all facts must be fully verified before they are thrown into the public domain,” because the reputation of individuals and institutions were at stake.

Their call comes in the wake of the Jospong Group, owners of, Zoomlion and other subsidiaries, having to deny claims that it inflated the cost of a contract it had with the Mahama government to supply waste bins.

The group, in a statement copied to citifmonline.com, said the media platforms that carried the allegations, must apologize or risk being challenged to provide ample evidence to substantiate the claims.

The association acknowledged the importance of this brand of reportage but urged “extreme caution and circumspection in order not to pronounce certain people guilty in the media whereas any court of competent jurisdiction hasn’t even tried them.”

“Such trial by the media can inflict serious reputational injury and cause devastating harm to their businesses that could ultimately have adverse effects on the Ghanaian economy. It can also ignite a backlash in the form of suits or legal wrangling from aggrieved persons,” the statement said.

The GJA’s release further said: “We should also be mindful of using the media to wage a smear campaign against individuals especially local businesses and personalities who have made a substantial contribution to the growth of the economy…”

“That is why the GJA has always advised against the trial of people in the media as it has serious implications for media freedom and responsible journalism but to rather focus on the principles of fairness, balance and accuracy in their reportage,” it added.

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By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Don’t hurt businesses with investigative reporting – GJA to media appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The journalists covering the Joseph Boakye Danquah-Adu murder trial were kicked out from the court by the Magistrate, Arit Nsemoh without any reason.

[contextly_sidebar id=”fnOvsD2dKhWO6uLGXNgZ3MtaKI4dinZt”]Angered by the directive, the journalists had threatened to petition the Chief Justice over the matter.

A statement signed by the President of the GJA, Affail Monney, condemned the Magistrate’s action describing it as “indiscreet, reprehensible and an affront to media freedom.”

“The JB Danquah murder trial is of huge national and international interest, given the tragic circumstances under which the young MP was killed. To deny journalists access to the open court is to deprive the public in general and the bereaved family in particular the sovereign right to be informed about the proceedings to dispense justice in the case. We demand an apology from the Judicial Service and a full assurance that reporters will no more experience any unnecessary hindrance and indignity in the coverage of the case,” the statement added.

JB Danquah was murdered on February 9, 2016, and two suspects are currently standing trial.

The two suspects were arraigned some two weeks ago after a high court discharged them due to a nolle prosequi filed by the Attorney General. But they were subsequently re-arrested.

The decision to drop the case was initially met with some backlash from the public until the Attorney General, Gloria Akuffo, clarified that the suspects were to be re-arrested and investigations reopened into the case.

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By: Godwin Akweiteh Allotey/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Follow @AlloteyGodwin

The post GJA demands apology over sacking of journalists from court appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.