Award-winning investigative journalist, Manasseh Azure Awuni, has urged the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) to “resist corporate capture” and protect the integrity of journalism in Ghana.
In a Facebook post made on Monday, November 3, titled “Why I Left the GJA,” Manasseh accused the Association of allowing its platforms to be used by private business interests to attack investigative journalism and accountability reporting.
He said his call stemmed from recent developments surrounding the GJA Awards launch, where remarks made by KGL Group Executive Chairman, Mr. Alex Apau Dadey, appeared to target The Fourth Estate, following its exposé on the KGL-National Lotteries Authority (NLA) contract.
“The GJA should not follow money and allow private businesses caught in accountability journalism to spread this tired and false narrative that seeking accountability for public resources means destroying local businesses,” he cautioned.
According to him, such narratives “incite the public against journalists” and discourage investigative reporting that holds power and institutions accountable.
Manasseh also expressed concern that this year’s awards had been branded as the “GJA/KGL Awards,” noting that previous editions had not been jointly named with sponsors. He argued that this move risks compromising the Association’s independence and credibility.
READ: Manasseh Azure Awuni explains why he left GJA, cites interference and defence of corrupt interests
“Regardless of KGL’s sponsorship package, its officials shouldn’t be given the platform to undermine the very journalism that the GJA awards were created to honour,” he stated.
Recounting his resignation from the GJA in 2017, Manasseh said the Association had at the time “fought him for fighting corruption” after he published an investigation that led to the cancellation of a $74 million fraudulent contract involving the Jospong Group.
He noted that although the report was later adjudged the overall best story at the 2018 West Africa Media Excellence Awards (WAMECA), the GJA President issued a statement criticising the work; not for inaccuracy, but for allegedly harming a Ghanaian business.
“The statement said profitable Ghanaian businesses should not be destroyed in the name of investigative journalism,” he recalled.
Manasseh maintained that exposing corruption is not an attack on Ghanaian businesses, explaining that journalists have a duty to scrutinise any entity that engages in contracts involving public funds.
“To say that the media should not expose them because they are local businesses is like saying a thief or an armed robber who attacks you should be set free if he is a Ghanaian,” he wrote.
READ: Kwaku Asante-Boateng refuses claims of ethnic, religious undertones in Adom TV interview
He concluded by urging the GJA to stand firm in its duty to promote truth, integrity, and accountability.
“The GJA must resist corporate capture and act in the interest of its members and good journalism,” he emphasised.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
