MFWA hails victory of Adom FM staff over NHIA workers

The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) has described the ruling in an assault case involving three Adom FM staff and some workers of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) as a landmark one.

Executive Director of MFWA, Sulemana Braimah, said the ruling of the High Court in favor of the staff of Adom FM should be enough to inspire journalists in the country to defend their rights from abuse.

“Based on this judgment am sure that many of such people [bullies] will advise themselves,” he said.

The Accra Human Rights Court has awarded the Multimedia staff 7,500 cedis damages in a case of assault brought against some workers of NHIA.

A reporter with the station, Nana Sefa, who had gone to the NHIS office to report on the frustrations of customers, was detained and had his mobile phone confiscated by the NHIA officials.

On hearing the news of the detention of the reporter, News Editor of Adom FM, Afua Pokua went there to secure his release only to end up beaten up leaving her with injuries to the thighs, legs, and hands.

Another reporter, Kofi Assan also received a number of slaps resulting in a reddened eye.

They filed a civil suit against Israel Quarme Ayer and Richjoyce N. Armah, both workers of the NHIA's Ablekuma Sub-Metro who attacked them.

The court presided over by Justice A. M. Domakyaareh (Mrs) ordered the respondents to joint render an unqualified apology in writing to the three within stated fourteen (14) days from the day of the judgment and have it published in any daily newspaper of national circulation.

The ruling said the work of journalists necessarily involves working outside the confines of their office structures and no matter the case; they are entitled to work under safe conditions.

The court also said journalists have the right to work in the country without intimidation

Reacting to the issue on Joynews, Braimah said the case would not have ended up in court had it not been for the cooperation of the employers.

“I think it is also significant to say that it took the decision of the journalists’ employers to agree or to take the matter to court,” he said.

“We’ve had cases where journalists are abused and their employers are the ones even saying the matter should be resolved internally,” he said, adding, this case is a trailblazer.

“I believe that other media organisations will be inspired by this development so that in the event their journalists are unduly abused and their rights are violated they will know they can seek legal redress as happened in this case,” he stressed.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Austin Brako-Powers | Email: [email protected]