The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has reminded the New Patriotic Party (NPP) that it has no authority to exclude Media General from press conferences dealing with public matters, as journalists are constitutionally mandated to serve the public interest.

Speaking during a press conference at the Ghana International Press Centre on April 23, GJA President Albert Kwabena Dwumfour addressed recent threats made by NPP’s 3rd National Vice Chairman, Alhaji Osman Masawudu, against Media General personnel. He emphasized that political parties cannot determine when or where journalists should appear when public interest is at stake.

“So whenever and wherever the public interest calls, the media have a constitutional invitation and obligation to respond to the call. Thus, unless the matter or issue is private in nature, the media, in serving the public interest and right to know, have a duty to perform,” he stated.

“So Alhaji Masawudu should not prevent the media from, or threaten to attack the media for, discharging their duty. And the NPP must not condone, or acquiesce to, his threats,” Dwumfour added.

The GJA’s firm response comes in the wake of growing friction between the NPP and Media General. In January 2025, the party announced it would no longer participate in Media General’s programmes, citing concerns over alleged bias and unprofessionalism.

The situation further deteriorated on April 16 during an NPP press briefing attended by General Secretary Justin Frimpong Kodua and Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin. As the General Secretary handed over to the Minority Leader, Alhaji Masawudu was captured on camera deliberately knocking a TV3 microphone from the head table.

Although the incident drew disapproval from NPP leadership, who quickly restored the microphone, Masawudu showed no remorse. The GJA applauded the intervention by the party’s senior figures:

“That gesture by the General Secretary and the Minority Leader to restore order and allow TV3 to cover the event, although Alhaji Masawudu was not remorseful, is very commendable. We commend the NPP General Secretary and the Minority Leader for showing high sense of tolerance and maturity in the face of chaos,” the Association said.

The following day, in an interview with Kumasi-based Ash FM, Alhaji Masawudu admitted to pushing the microphone down and escalated the matter by issuing direct threats against Media General reporters.

“This is a warning to Media General; this is a warning to TV3. They should stay away from New Patriotic Party… The next time they joke with our programme, bo na ye be bo wo mo (we will beat them),” he warned.

The GJA has condemned the comments in no uncertain terms.

“The actions and comments of Alhaji Masawudu are very reckless, reprehensive and regrettable,” the Association stated.

“His actions and comments are not only a threat to human life; they are also a threat to the lives of the rule of law and our democracy,” Dwumfour emphasized.

According to the Association, if any Media General journalist is harmed at an NPP event, responsibility will lie squarely with the 3rd National Vice Chairman.

The GJA has called on Alhaji Masawudu to retract his threats and apologise, urging the NPP to disassociate itself from his conduct.

Meanwhile, Media General has taken the matter up with the Ghana Police Service, describing the incident as both “a deliberate act of aggression” and “a direct threat” to journalist safety and press freedom. The media organisation is demanding a thorough investigation to ensure accountability and the protection of its personnel.

While addressing the core of the matter, the GJA President reiterated that the work of the media is tied to the public’s right to know and should not be obstructed by political hostility.

Looking ahead, the Association urged both parties to resolve their differences amicably.

“In every relationship, misunderstandings may arise, but whenever they do, we must summon tolerance, magnanimity and courage to resolve them amicably."

The GJA has engaged the leadership of both the NPP and Media General on their conflict.

"We are happy to learn that long before the attacks and threats by Alhaji Masawudu, talks were far advanced towards reconciliation. The GJA is ready to support any cause for the resolution of feud and restoration of friendship,” the Association noted.