Remove GJA President for ‘alleged media blackmail and extortion’ – Group petitions

Youth for Media Freedom (YMF), a pressure group committed to ethical governance and media transparency, has called for the immediate suspension and investigation of Mr Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, President of the Ghana Journalists’ Association (GJA).

In a petition addressed to the National Executive Council (NEC) of GJA, and released by Mr Andrew Hayford, Executive Director of YMF, the group alleged that Mr Dwumfour had engaged in “acts of coercion, blackmail, and abuse of power” that threaten the independence and ethical standards of the Ghanaian media.

In the petition, YMF asserted that credible reports had implicated Mr Dwumfour in a scheme targeting high-profile businessmen, government officials, and appointees. It accused the GJA President of using sensitive information about these individuals’ professional and private affairs to extort compliance through the threat of negative media exposure.

The petition claimed that victims, fearful of reputational damage, had faced undue pressure to avoid being publicly compromised.

“The role of the Ghana Journalists Association is to safeguard press freedom and uphold the highest standards of journalistic integrity. The media must serve as a voice for the voiceless, not as a tool for personal vendettas or coercion.

If substantiated, Mr Dwumfour’s actions represent a grave abuse of his office and erode the public’s trust in the GJA,” the petition stressed.

Governance failings

YMF’s petition further highlighted governance failings under Mr Dwumfour’s leadership. It referenced a statement issued by the Office of the Registrar of Companies (ORC) on 13 May 2024, which threatened to delist the GJA and other organisations for non-compliance with statutory requirements, including failure to submit annual financial accounts and membership updates.

The petition argued that this demonstrates a “significant deficiency in accountability and organizational governance,” further undermining Mr Dwumfour’s credibility as a leader.

The group also criticized Mr. Dwumfour’s recent advocacy at a recent UNESCO and African Union event in Ethiopia, where he urged the international community to ensure journalists’ safety.

YMF expressed concern that his appeals for accountability on a global stage were inconsistent with the governance shortcomings reported under his tenure. “Leaders who champion journalists’ rights must exemplify those principles through transparent and effective governance,” the petition added.

Suspension, investigation

YMF in the petition, demanded Mr. Dwumfour’s immediate suspension while an independent committee investigates the allegations.

The group called for the committee to include civil society representatives, legal experts, and experienced journalists.

“This investigation must be impartial, with full authority to summon witnesses and review evidence,” YMF stated. It also insisted on transparency throughout the process, with regular public updates.

The group warned of the potential ramifications of these allegations as Ghana approaches the 2024 general elections.

YMF stressed that any misuse of media power could jeopardize electoral fairness and trust in the democratic process. “We cannot afford to have critical institutions marred by misconduct,” the group stated.

The group underscored that their demands were driven by the belief in an impartial media landscape crucial for democracy. It also gave a stern ultimatum: if Mr Dwumfour does not resign or if the GJA fails to take action, they will launch a campaign to advocate for his removal.

“The Ghanaian public, government officials, and journalists deserve an association free from unethical practices. We trust that decisive steps will be taken to address this serious matter,” the petition added.

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