The Ashanti Regional branch of the Ghana Journalists' Association (GJA) condemns in no uncertain terms the assault on Mr. Daniel Kenu, the Ashanti Regional correspondent of the daily graphic newspaper by some macho men led by Baffour Gyan, the elder brother of Asamoah Gyan, captain of the black stars.

Baffour Gyan was said to have first assaulted the reporter followed by the macho guys who were with him

Mr. Kenu had gone to the Baba Yara stadium to pick his accreditation for the Ghana -Uganda clash on Saturday when the incident happened.

It all started when the reporter gave a platform for the skipper to clear the air of the rumors that he had sacrificed hip life musician, Theophilus Tagoe, popularly called Castro.

That was at a press briefing organised by the Ghana football Association on Wednesday at the Miklin hotel where stars captain nearly confronted the reporter

The GJA finds it strange and shocking that such a nice opportunity given to the player should be abused It should be put on record that whether Asamoah Gyan likes it or not the rumour is out there and the reporter without any malice wished that he used the occasion to clear himself.

In any case, why did Bafour Gyan not lead thugs to attack Lawyer Justice Ampah when he called for the arrest of Asamoah Gyan for questioning in the wake of the Castro tragedy?

The GJA would like to remind the family of Gyan to stop thinking that their so called popularity in football could clothe them with authority to treat journalists with contempt.

Some quarters are saying it was not an appropriate forum for the opportunity offered to the player, but as journalists what determines a right forum?
We hope that the Regional Police Commander, COP Kofi Boakye would not renege on his promise to deal with the recalcitrants and prosecute them to deter others.

This is not to say that journalists are superior beings but why should a journalists be assaulted for asking a question

Journalists cover stories with interest of all sections of the society in mind and so whether negative or positive stories emanating we cover without fear or favor .

Signed:
Listowell Yesu Bukarson, Chairman
Kingsley E. Hope, Secretary.
Cc:
The President,
Ghana Journalists Association.
The Media.