Accra, June 27, GNA - The Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ) Chapter of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) on Friday commended the Association for taking action on the alleged assault visited on Mr Joe Okyere, a journalist.

"While appreciating your non-hesitant intervention into this matter, we would also not mince words on condemning this and other alleged rude and irresponsible acts of violence perpetrated against journalists in recent times," a statement signed by its president, Mr Okunyin Boaz Orlan-Hackman said.

Mr Isaac Edumadze, Member of Parliament for Ajumako-Eyan-Essiam and Former Central Regional Minister, was alleged to have assaulted Mr Okyere, Central Regional Correspondent of the "Daily Graphic" newspaper. The statement noted that such acts had the tendency to undermine the practice of journalism and to frustrate journalists in the discharge of their duties and expressed the hope that all institutions charged with handling the matter would allow the due process of the law to run its full course. It also called on the GJA to investigate cases of Police brutalities against journalists in recent times; hold consultative meetings with the Police and other agencies to get them to appreciate each other's duties and also to educate journalists on public and private rights. "These suggestions, when considered, could prove useful particularly in this election year." The statement also appealed to the GJA to lobby Parliament and the GIJ Board to impress upon the National Communication Authority to release the Institute's broadcasting equipment in their custody. GJA should also recognise student journalists in the Annual GJA awards.