Justin Frimpong Koduah counsels Mahama
The General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party, Lawyer Justin Frimpong Koduah, has counseled President John Dramani Mahama to intervene in the rise of media attacks under his second administration, highlighting the national security implications.
He also called for swift arrest and prosecution of perpetrators of the hoodlums that attacked some journalists at the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council during the recent elections of the Council of State representative.
“We are proud of your work. I will continue to urge you on to not relent in the journalistic pursuit.” However the repeated incidence of attacks on journalists serve as a threat to our democracy and the glue to our society. Government must prioritize this matter and as a matter of urgency prosecute all offenders that have attacked journalists,” he averred.
“The NDC-Government must tell their constituents to desists from attacking journalists in the region. We recorded several attacks on journalists in the region, especially during the elections and its aftermath. This is unacceptable and no journalist deserves to be maimed just for doing his lawful duty. The Government must be swift in protecting journalists and also prosecuting offenders who attack journalists.” Koduah remarked.
The NPP chief scribe said these in an address at the Ashanti-regional chapter of the Ghana Journalists Association’s (GJA) annual thanksgiving and get together ceremony, on March 7, 2025.
He noted that journalists especially those in the Ashanti Region have held the fabrics of the region’s peace; praising them for their hardwork and relentless effort in grounding Ghana’s democracy.
“Despite the threats you have received in your line of work, you have stood firm, resolute and impartial in your reportage. Your activities have enhanced the multi-party democracy we all enjoy and have brought enlightenment to the masses”, he stated.
He continued, “as politicians, it hasn’t been all of your reportage that have served our peculiar interests, but without fear and favor, you have worked hard and played your roles as the fourth estate of the realm. You have fact-checked us politicians and brought the truth to the listening masses.”
Mr. Frimpong again expressed gratitude for the steadfastness of journalists throughout the electoral process, noting their crucial role in reporting results that have contributed to maintaining peace in Ghana. He thanked God for protecting the nation from violence and misinformation that have plagued other countries during similar periods.
Lawyer Koduah also urged journalists to focus on accurate reporting that serves the nation’s interests rather than personal agendas. He underscored the necessity for collaboration between politicians and the media to foster national development.
He emphasized that while political disagreements may arise, violence is never a solution, and both politicians and journalists must uphold their responsibilities to the public.
The event was also attended by various dignitaries, including chief of Kwabre Kenyase, Barima Fredua Agyemang Ababio II, Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, Ashanti Regional Commander of the Ghana Prisons Service, Deputy Director of Prisons (DDP) James B. Mwinyelle, Chairman Odeneho Kwakye Appiah and others, underscoring the non-partisan nature of journalism.
