General News of Sunday, 5 December 2004

Source: GNA

GJA calls for investigation into attack on Joy FM correspondent

Accra, Dec. 5, GNA - The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) on Sunday called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to institute a full-scale probe into the reported attack and unsuccessful abduction of Ms Afua Dzansi-Asamoah, Volta regional correspondent of Joy FM, and the injection of an unknown substance into her.

The GJA condemned the act, describing it as horrific and wicked and requested the IGP to ensure that the perpetrators of such "cowardly deed" were identified and brought to book.

A statement issued by Ms Ajoa Yeboah-Afari, President of the Association, said the GJA considered the incident as a dent on the image of the country's fledgling democracy and its belief in press freedom as enshrined in the Constitution.

The GJA called on political parties, religious bodies and civil society to condemn such "uncivilized behaviour and democracy-unfriendly development" without reservation.

It appealed to Ghanaians to renew their commitment to press freedom and political tolerance, particularly in this year's election to give greater hope to the country's democracy.