The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has roundly condemned the assault on a reporter with the Graphic Communications Group Limited by students of the Bright Senior High School (SHS) at Kukurantumi in the Eastern Region.
Damelia Pacome, the journalist in question was attacked by the students who were wielding knives, cutlasses, sticks, and stones after he went there to report on the students’ rampage following what they described as tightened security during the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
He sustained some degrees of wounds and was later admitted at the hospital.
In a statement, however, the GJA is demanding an immediate probe into the matter with punitive actions taken against those who engaged in the act.
“The GJA condemns this mob attack on Mr. Pacome and calls for a thorough investigation and prosecution of the perpetrators. This action should be within the context of dealing with recent acts, gross indiscipline and vandalism in various Senior High Schools in the country before the situation spins out of control.”
The mob attack and nearly lynching of Damelia Pacome had afflicted souls and caused irremediable pains in many hearts, according to the GJA.
“But for the divine intervention of God Ghana would have wakened with gory news of another mob attack and killing of a young journalist. We wish to send a strong caution to all groups and individuals that the Ghana Journalists Association will resist fearlessly any attempt of attack. We will not appear vulnerable again in our quest to serve society with credible accurate news with speed”, the statement added.
The proprietor of the school, Bright Amponsah who is alleged to have incited the students to beat up the journalist together with other examinations officials was earlier picked up by police from the Eastern Regional command.
He has since been granted bail.
Exams centre relocated
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has relocated the centre for the exams from the Bright Senior High School (SHS) to Ofori Panin Senior High School, following the recent attack on its officials.
WAEC in a statement said it had decided to relocate the examination centre to “ensure the integrity of the examination and safeguard the lives of examination officials.”
It also promised to take legal action against any person “involved in compromising the integrity of the examination in any manner” in future incidents.
“WAEC wishes to use this opportunity to encourage all supervisors and invigilators to continue to be vigilant and carry out their duties diligently and without fear.”