By Isaac Asare
The much-anticipated Journalists support fund promised by the GJA under the leadership of its President, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour has been launched with a call on journalists to give practical meaning to the International Day to end impunity for crimes against journalists by seeking justice for citizens that equally intimidation and suffer attacks in the country.
Addressing participants attended by key personalities including representatives for the US Embassy and UNESCO, the Chairman of the National Media Commission, Yaw Boadu Ayeboafo challenged journalists to seek the welfare of all and ensure that citizens treated unfairly are supported in their pursuit for justice.
The International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists set up by the UN was borne out of the death of two French journalists who were killed in Mali in 2013. In Ghana, many journalists have suffered intimidation and physical attacks over the years with impunity. Quite disturbing is the fact that victims who fall prey to such crimes and attacks do not get justice largely due to financial constraints to pursue legal action against their perpetrators.
In some cases, victims do not have the means to even seek medical treatment thereby worsening their vulnerability. The killing of Ahmed Suale, an Investigative Journalist with Tiger Eye P.I in January 2019 is among other fallen heroes across the globe who have lost their lives in the line of duty. The perpetrators are yet to be brought to justice.
The launch of the Journalists Support Fund which coincided with the commemoration of the International Day to to End Impunity For Crimes Against Journalists is to provide support to Practitioners subjected to inhumane activities while performing their official duties. Launching the Fund, the President of the GJA, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour said the Fund ”will not only seek legal services and justice for victims but also offer training and workshops on safety and security for our members to enhance their security and safety.
For his part, the Chairman of the National Media Commission, Yaw Boadu Ayeboafo said the question of Impunity For Crimes Against Journalists must be extended to citizens who
suffer the same fate in order to give true meaning to justice. He however challenged the media to uphold and pursue the initiative by the current GJA administration to expose the weaknesses in the national system.
His Lordship Justice Yonny Kulendi, Justice of the Supreme Court who represented the Chief Justice commended the GJA for the bold initiative and pledged to give their full support in any way they can. The official launch of the support which brought together key personalities including ministers of state, the clergy and other renowned media practitioners and retirees was done by Prof Samuel Ato Duncan of the Centre of Awareness and Global Peace Mission.
