The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has issued a firm warning to the leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to caution and restrain its supporters ahead of the party’s flagbearership contest scheduled for January 31.

In a press briefing on Tuesday, January 6, the GJA President, Albert Dwumfour stressed that political competition must never be used as an excuse to harass, intimidate or attack journalists who are carrying out their lawful duties.

"The GJA issues a firm warning to the leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to clearly caution and restrain its supporters ahead of the upcoming flagbearership contest," he stated.

The Association urged the NPP leadership to demonstrate responsibility by making it unequivocally clear to all supporters, aspirants and party operatives that attacks on journalists will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

The caution comes against the backdrop of an incident in which a journalist with the Class Media Group was allegedly assaulted by personnel of the Ghana National Fire Service while covering developments at the Kasoa New Market.

The attack reportedly occurred as the journalist was filming a confrontation between firefighters and traders at the market in the aftermath of a recent fire outbreak.