The Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development Hawa Koomson is appealing to the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) to reconsider its decision to blacklist her.

On January 25, the GJA directed journalists to avoid covering any activities involving the Awutu Senya East MP following an alleged attack on a journalist during the NPP’s parliamentary aspirants’ vetting in Cape Coast.

In a statement released by her Press Secretary, Kabore Awudu Moro, the legislator expressed concern about the GJA's decision.

It said, “The Honourable Minister acknowledges the vital role of the media in our democracy and is committed to fostering an environment that safeguards journalists in their duty.

"While unequivocally condemning the reported incident, she vehemently denies all accusations levelled against her and her associates."

"The Honourable Minister urges the GJA leadership to reconsider the blacklisting decision, emphasizing the absence of evidence implicating her in the incident,” the statement added.

Hawa Koomson called for trust in the ongoing investigation by the Ghana Police Service to apprehend the alleged attacker.

The statement also mentioned the Minister's intention to initiate a dialogue with the GJA leadership in the coming days to address any misunderstandings and foster a constructive relationship between her and the media.

Read her statement below:

The Office of the Honourable Minister for Fisheries & Aquaculture Development and Member of Parliament for the Awutu Senya East Constituency expresses deep concern regarding the recent decision by the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) to blacklist any activities involving the Honourable Minister due to an alleged attack on a journalist during the NPP’s parliamentary aspirants’ vetting in Cape Coast.

While unequivocally condemning the reported incident, the Honorable Minister vehemently denies all accusations levelled against her and her associates.

Acknowledging the vital role of the media in our democracy, the Minister is committed to fostering an environment that safeguards journalists in their duty.

The Honourable Minister urges the GJA leadership to reconsider the blacklisting decision, emphasizing the absence of evidence implicating her in the incident.

The Minister calls for trust in the Ghana Police Service’s ongoing investigation to apprehend the alleged attacker.

In the spirit of collaboration, the Office of the Honourable Minister will initiate a dialogue with the GJA leadership in the coming days to address any misunderstandings and chart a way forward, fostering a constructive relationship between the Minister and the media.

End!
Kabore, Awudu Moro
Press Secretary to Hon. MAVIS HAWA KOOMSON