The Chief of Defense Staff (CDS), Vice Admiral Seth Amoama has assured the Ghana Journalists Association(GJA) of great partnership in ensuring total security in the country.
According to him, the GJA for that matter the media by its nature as the Fourth Estate of the Realm is an essential development agent hence the need for the partnership in order to defend and protect the nation and the citizenry.
Vice Admiral Amoama gave the assurance when the Leadership of the GJA paid a courtesy call on the Military high command on Friday (September 15, 2023) at the Burma Camp-Accra.
The CDS also expressed his commitment to support the GJA in its agenda geared towards the development of the nation.
“We the military acknowledge what you do as the fourth Estate of the realm, we will support you with anything you need to succeed”, Vice Admiral Amoama assured.
Touching on military assaults on media, specifically the GBC Reporter in the Ashanti region, who was assaulted, the Military Chief revealed that the matter has been dealt with and amicably resolved, revealing that they (Military) met the victim and management of GBC a few days ago.
The CDS however expressed worry over negative reportage against the military by the media and urged the GJA leadership to admonish their members to always cross-check issues with the military before going to Press.
GJA President Mr. Albert Kwabena Dwumfour and CDS Vice Admiral Seth Amoama in a pose
In his view, this would help deepen the relationship between the media and the military and prevent the misinformation that are put out by a section of the media.
“Media coverage of the security could be better if we are consulted before going to the press.Given the open door policy which we operate here we can be contacted but if you have people going to press without contacting us is worrisome”, he emphasized.
Rumours of Coup
Vice Admiral Amoama dispelled any rumour of coup in Ghana re-affirming the Military’s commitment and loyalty to the state.
“For us we have resolved to protect the constitution and the will of the people if the people say that is what they want.
We have the interest of the nation at heart so everybody should be rest assured. We are ready to defend our territorial integrity”, the CDS stressed.
For his part, the GJA President Mr. Albert Kwabena Dwumfour stressed that the media and the military are not enemies and that there are a lot of collaborations the two institutions can do to promote national security.
“The media is here for the world to know that we are not enemies but rather partners”, the GJA President said.
He revealed the GJA’s “See Something Say Something “ initiative which is a bit distinct from that of the National Security and appealed to the Military to support it since it is aimed at promoting security in the country.
Mr. Dwumfour later called on the CDS to purge its ranks to avoid military attacks on Journalists.
He also assured the Military top brass of GJA’s commitment to ensure a fluid relationship between the two institutions, and support them to protect the territorial integrity of the country.
The GJA President later commended the leadership for its loyalty to the state inspite of coups in our neighbouring countries.
“Inspite of what is happening in our neighboring countries you have stood firm to defend the constitution. We commend you for that”, Mr.Dwumfour said.
The CDS was supported by the Chief of Staff, Major-General Nicholas Peter Andoh , the Chief HR, Brigadier-General Michael Opoku, the Provost Marshall, Colonel Ayorrogo Zibrim, Deputy PRO , Naval Captain Larbi.
The GJA President was accompanied by the National Organizing Secretary, Mr. Dominic Hlordzi, the Public Affairs Officer , Ms Rebecca Ekpe, Chief Editor of Adom FM, Mr. A.C Ohene and the Executive Secretary to the GJA President, Efo Mawugbe.
Source:www.senaradioonline.com
