The Media Coalition for Reforms wishes to refer to its press statement on Monday, June 14 2021 in which it demanded a halt to a scheduled meeting of the Ghana Journalist Association (GJA) called by Ambassador Kabral Blay Amihere. We expressed misgivings about the purpose of the meeting, given that it was in contradiction of the directives of the court to the feuding parties. The pleadings of the plaintiff included the declaration of the Affail Monney-led executive as illegal, given that their tenure elapsed in November 2020; yet they continue to remain in office. The directive was for the parties to the suit resort to Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in ironing out their differences.
Following our press statement, our information is that Ambassador Kabral has called off that intended meeting. The Coalition will want to applaud Ambassador Kabral for his boldness and fortitude in cancelling the scheduled meeting. We are struck by the rare show of leadership and the strong emotional intelligence exhibited by Ambassador Kabral in this regard and will want to commend him for that. If all leaders in Ghana will listen to those they lead and take decisions, however difficult, in the best interest of those the lead, this country will be a better place for all of us.
We will also want to commend the other attendees for reviewing the intended meeting and agreeing to hold off to give the feuding parties a chance at resolving the issues, and to pave way for the elections as early as possible. Whilst at it, we will want to encourage them to take advantage of this new lease of life to hasten up the process and ensure that the elections are held with no further delay. A caution ought to be made that the membership of the GJA has no appetite, and indeed no patience for any further delay in conducting the elections. A word to the wise …
The Coalition expresses its appreciation to the numerous members of the GJA who have reached out to it since the issuance of the press release and who want to join the Coalition. We are flattered by the interest you have expressed. However, we will want to make it clear that our intention for now is not to form a rival journalists association.
Together, we are convinced that we can help the GJA to be the association that we all wish it to be.
Once again, congratulations to Ambassador Kabral Blay-Amihere for your leadership and interest in the welfare of the GJA. We hope others will follow your shining example.
Convener
Samuel Ablordepey
0244797132
