GJA gives Tenkorang-Twum five days to apologize over threat on Journalist

AB Felix Akudago 3 months ago

The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has given the General Secretary of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), Dr. David Tenkorang-Twum, five days to apologise over his alleged threats against journalists.

Speaking at a press conference in Accra on Friday, August 29, 2025, the GJA insisted that giving Dr. Tenkorang-Twum five days to apologise is necessary to safeguard press freedom and protect journalists from possible harm.

According to the Association, Dr. Tenkorang-Twum allegedly stated in a June 2025 interview on Neat FM that journalists had been “marked” and would be “shown” whenever they visited public hospitals.

The GJA stressed that such remarks amount to a direct threat and reiterated its demand for an unconditional apology within five days.

“This is no mere slip of the tongue,” GJA President Albert Kwabena Dwumfour said. “We are giving Dr. Tenkorang-Twum five days to retract his statements and issue a public apology to the media fraternity.”

“The safety of journalists is non-negotiable. Any attack on a journalist is an attack on democracy itself. Journalism is not a crime, and journalists must be treated as partners in democracy, not as targets of attacks and threats,” the GJA President stated.

The Association also called on the leadership of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA) to distance itself from Dr. Tenkorang-Twum’s comments, cautioning that remaining silent would be seen as tacit approval.

The GJA warned that if the apology is not rendered within the given period, it will petition the National Media Commission (NMC), the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), and international press freedom watchdogs.

Additionally, the Association urged the government, the Ministry of Health, and security agencies to prioritise the safety of journalists while on duty, emphasising that the protection of media practitioners is vital to sustaining Ghana’s democracy.