The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) and its media partners have lifted the ban on Yendi MP, Hon. Farouk Aliu Mahama, following his apology for assaulting a journalist.
GJA President, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, announced the decision at a press conference in Accra, citing the MP’s commitment to restoring cordial relations with the media as a key factor.
The ban was imposed three months ago after the MP and his thugs assaulted Mohammed Aminu Alabira, a correspondent for Accra-based Citi News.
However, in a meeting with GJA and its partners, Hon. Farouk Aliu Mahama apologised for his actions and expressed his willingness to work towards a peaceful resolution.
“The Minister of Information Designate, Honorable Fatimatu Abubakar, said the MP had taken the decision to settle the matter amicably in the spirit of the World Press Freedom Day which was celebrated on May 3, 2024. She emphasized the need for state and non-state stakeholders to collaborate to combat impunity and ensure that Ghana’s improved press freedom ranking is enhanced.
“ For his part, Honorable Farouk Aliu Mahama apologised for the assault on the Citi FM reporter and committed to working to restore cordial relations with the media in the Northern Region and the country as a whole. He informed the meeting that he had also withdrawn his suit against the GJA and was ready to meet the Management of Citi FM/TV and the journalist/victim, Mohammed Aminu Alabira, for an amicable settlement.
Later the same day, Farouk Aliu Mahama wrote an apology letter to the Management of Citi FM/TV and copied the GJA.
The GJA and its partners, including GIBA, PRINPA, and Media Foundation for West Africa, thus accepted the apology and lifted the ban, effective May 9, 2024.
“We respectfully request all media organizations to take note and act accordingly,” said Mr. Dwumfour.
The decision comes after the MP withdrew his lawsuit against the GJA and expressed his commitment to meeting with the management of Citi FM/TV and the victim, Mohammed Aminu Alabira, for an amicable settlement.