Remove GJA President for ‘alleged media blackmail and extortion’ – Group petitions

Youth for Media Freedom (YMF), a pressure group committed to ethical governance and media transparency, has called for the immediate suspension and investigation of Mr. Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, President of the Ghana Journalists’ Association (GJA).

A petition addressed to the National Executive Council (NEC) of GJA, and released by Mr. Andrew Hayford, Executive Director of YMF, the group alleged that Mr. Dwumfour had engaged in “acts of coercion, blackmail, and abuse of power” that threaten the independence and ethical standards of the Ghanaian media.

In the petition, YMF asserted that credible reports had implicated Mr. Dwumfour in a scheme targeting high-profile businessmen, government officials, and appointees. It accused the GJA President of using sensitive information about these individuals’ professional and private affairs to extort compliance through the threat of negative media exposure. The petition claimed that victims, fearful of reputational damage, had faced undue pressure to avoid being publicly compromised.

“The role of the Ghana Journalists Association is to safeguard press freedom and uphold the highest standards of journalistic integrity. The media must serve as a voice for the voiceless, not as a tool for personal vendettas or coercion. If substantiated, Mr. Dwumfour’s actions represent a grave abuse of his office and erode the public’s trust in the GJA,” the petition stressed.

Governance failings

YMF’s petition further highlighted governance failings under Mr. Dwumfour’s leadership. It referenced a statement issued by the Office of the Registrar of Companies (ORC) on May 13, 2024, which threatened to delist the GJA and other organisations for non-compliance with statutory requirements, including failure to submit annual financial accounts and membership updates.

The petition argued that this demonstrates a “significant deficiency in accountability and organizational governance,” further undermining Mr. Dwumfour’s credibility as a leader.

The group also criticized Mr. Dwumfour’s recent advocacy at a recent UNESCO and African Union event in Ethiopia, where he urged the international community to ensure journalists’ safety. YMF expressed concern that his appeals for accountability on a global stage were inconsistent with the governance shortcomings reported under his tenure. “Leaders who champion journalists’ rights must exemplify those principles through transparent and effective governance,” the petition added.

Suspension, investigation

YMF in the petition, demanded Mr. Dwumfour’s immediate suspension while an independent committee investigates the allegations. The group called for the committee to include civil society representatives, legal experts, and experienced journalists. “This investigation must be impartial, with full authority to summon witnesses and review evidence,” YMF stated. It also insisted on transparency throughout the process, with regular public updates.

The group warned of the potential ramifications of these allegations as Ghana approaches the 2024 general elections. YMF stressed that any misuse of media power could jeopardize electoral fairness and trust in the democratic process. “We cannot afford to have critical institutions marred by misconduct,” the group stated.

The group underscored that their demands were driven by the belief in an impartial media landscape crucial for democracy. It also gave a stern ultimatum: if Mr. Dwumfour does not resign or if the GJA fails to take action, they will launch a campaign to advocate for his removal. “The Ghanaian public, government officials, and journalists deserve an association free from unethical practices. We trust that decisive steps will be taken to address this serious matter,” the petition added.

Read Full Statement Below:

YOUTH FOR MEDIA FREEDOM (YMF)

16- 11- 2024

To: National Executive Council, GJA

PRESS RELEASE
PETITION DEMANDING THE IMMEDIATE REMOVAL
OF GJA PRESIDENT

We write on behalf of Youth for Media Freedom(YMF),a pressure group dedicated to upholding ethical governance and promoting transparent media practices in Ghana. It is with grave concerm that we bring to your attenion reports implicating Mr. Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, the President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), in serious acts of coercion and abuse of power that undermine the sanctity of the Ghanaian media landscape.

Recent allegations point to Mr. Dwumfour’s involvement in a scheme of media-based blackmail and extortion targeted at high-ranking businessmen, government officials, and government appointees. Credible sources indicate that Mr. Dwumfour has used his influence to threaten these officials, purportedly wielding sensitive information about their businesses, personal and professional lives to coerce them into submission. The officials, reportedly subjected to pressure tactics involving threats of media exposure, have expressed deep apprehension over potential damage to their reputations and businesses.

The role of the Ghana Journalists Association is to safeguard press freedom, foster ethical journalism, and hold members to the highest standards of integrity. The media should serve as a voice for the voiceless, not a tool for personal vendettas or coercion. Mr. Dwumfour’s alleged actions, if substantiated, represent a flagrant abuse of his office and a betrayal of the trust bestowed upon him by journalists and the public. Such behavior erodes public confidence in the GJA and tarnishes the Association’s credibility.

We wish to refresh your memory for a second. We were all witnesses when the Office of the Registrar of Companies (ORC) issued a statement on May 13, 2024, threatening to strike the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) and numerous other professional bodies from the national register of companies for failing to submit their annual accounts and update their membership certificates. This situation should never have occurred. We believe that Mr. Albert Dwumfour’s leadership must be reassessed and strengthened.

We hold the view that this reveals a significant deficiency in accountability and organizational governance on the part of the GJA President. The association’s citation by the ORC for neglecting basic regulatory obligations -such as submitting annual accounts shows a troubling lack of oversight and adherence to statutory requirements under Mr. Dwumfour’s leadership.

This points to broader mismanagement and a potential disregard for transparency and proper record-keeping, which are critical for any professional association. Given the GJA’s role in promoting accountability and ethical standards, such failures pose a serious reputational risk and raise doubts about Mr. Dwumfour’s ability to lead with integrity.

Earlier this month, Mr. Dwumfour called on the international community to intensify pressure on governments to ensure journalists’ safety at a UNESCO and African Union event in Ethiopia. It is concerning that his leadership is marred by governance issues back home. Preaching accountability and safety for journalists while leading an association cited for governance failings undermines the credibility of his message. Leaders who champion journalists’ rights must exemplify those principles through transparent and effective governance. Strengthening integrity within the GJA would reinforce his calls for global action.

As a nation committed to good governance and media independence, we must protect the ethics and impartiality of the media from individuals who misuse their power. In light of these allegations, Youth for Media Freedom demand the immediate suspension of the GJA President pending a thorough, impartial investigation. This step will ensure that investigations are
conducted without undue influence.

We call for the establishment of an independent committee comprising members of civil societ legal experts, and seasoned journalists to investigate these claims thoroughly. The committee
should be given adequate resources and authority to summon witnesses and review any evidencepresented. If Mr. Dwumfour is found guilty of these unethical practices, he should be held accountable, with appropriate actions taken to preserve the integrity of the GJA. We also dema full transparency of the investigation process, with regular updates provided to the public.

Additionally, beyond addressing the allegations at hand, we urge the government to collaborate
with the GJA and relevant stakeholders to introduce institutional reforms that prevent any future abuse of media power by high-ranking journalists.

Furthermore, we must underscore that such alleged behavior is particularly dangerous as we inch closer to the crucial 2024 general elections. The period leading up to national elections demand
a fair and independent media landscape, free from manipulation and coercion, to ensure that the democratic process remains untainted and credible. Any perceived misuse of media power could have serious consequences for electoral transparency and public trust.

The sanctity of our nation’s democratic fabric depends on an independent and trustworthy media.

We cannot afford to have such critical institutions marred by misconduct. The Ghanaian public government officials, and journalists themselves deserve an association free from the shadow of unethical practices. We trust that you will act decisively to address this serious matter.

We will remain on standby and are prepared to launch a serious campaign against Mr. Albert Dwumfour should he fail to resign or if the GJA does not take immediate steps to remove him President. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. We look forward to your prompt action to ensure justice prevails and to preserve the integrity of the GJA.

Youth for Media Freedom!!

Signed:

Name: Mr. Andrew Hayford
Executive Director, Youth for Media Freedom
E-mail: mailto:Youthformediafreedom @ gmail.com