GJA President apologises over Caleb Kudah comments

• Posted on May 14, 2021May 14, 2021
• by Nana Kwesi Coomson
• Comment

President of the Ghana Journalists’ Association (GJA) Roland Affail Monney has rendered unqualified apology for his comments on the assault of Citi FM journalists Caleb Kudah and Zoe Abu Baidoo Addo by National Security operatives last Tuesday.

Mr Affail Monney said his initial comments in an interview at Kumasi was based on “scanty” information received then.

“Unsurprisingly, my condemnation of the office invasion and physical brutalisation was muted while my comments on Caleb’s ethical style was tilted and overly highlighted obviously to achieve certain sensational ends,” he said at a press conference in Accra on Friday, May 14.

“As a student of leadership, I have learned that a leader is not afraid to change course when confronted with fresh information which challenges earlier assumptions.”

He said what is available so far is “sufficient as legal luminaries, distinguished ethicists and social critics slice and dice the issues from all angles”.

Mr Affail Monney had initially faulted Caleb Kudah for breaching security to film within the National Security premises, accusing him of breaching the Association’s Code of Ethics.

But his comments were roundly condemned by many including some executives of the GJA.

“I also take note of the righteous indignation and emotional overdrive over the issue,” the GJA President said at the press conference.

“I therefore render my sincerest apology for any misimpression created that I was insensitive to the plight of the two journalists but excited about the excesses of the National Security operatives.”

By Emmanuel Kwame Amoh