A journalist with TV3 and 3FM, both operated by the Media General group in Ghana has received death threats for criticising the performance of Ghana’s Minister for Water Resources and Sanitation.
The victim, Kwakye Afreh-Nuamah, told the MFWA that at about 15:00 Hours GMT on January 30, 2018, he received a phone call from one Hajia Boya Musah, who described herself as a member of Ghana’s ruling New Patroitic Party (NPP).
“As soon as I picked the call, she started attacking me, questioning the motive for my constant criticism of the Minister on my Facebook wall. She said I will be crippled and even killed if I don’t stop attacking the Honourable Kofi Adda,” Afreh-Nuamah said.
Afreh-Nuamah said he reported the threat to the Nima Divisional Police and tendered in evidence a recording of Hajia Boya’s verbal assault. The Divisionl Police Commander, DSP Paul Mensah Bampoe, confirmed to the MFWA that a complaint has been lodged and his outfit is investigating the matter.
Meanwhile, the journalist says another party activist of the NPP, Hajia Fati, also called a day later to threaten him for reporting Hajia Boya Musah to the police.
The MFWA condemns the threats on the life of Kwakye Afreh-Nuamah. The work of the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation is a legitimate subject for public discussion and as a journalist and citizen, Afreh-Nuamah has the right to criticise his performance without any fear.
We call on the police to thoroughly investigate the matter and bring the assailant to book. We urge the Management of Media General and the police to put in place measures to ensure the safety and security of the journalist. We also call on the leadership of the NPP to caution its members and activists against threatening to harm journalists and individuals who criticise the government.