One of the contestants in the now suspended Ghana Journalists’ Association (GJA) election, who is also the President of the association Roland Affail Monney, has described allegations leveled against him as slanderous and spurious.
In a statement, he said it does not serve any useful purpose to dignify the perpetrators with any response considering the negative image it gives to the media.
“I have, however, been compelled to exercise my constitutional right to rejoinder because the stench emanating from those stories is so noxious that it can put the noses of objective minded journalists and decent members of society out of joint and more seriously inflict irreparable damage to our noble profession,” he said.
Tracing the charges that have been leveled against him, Mr Monney said “it started with the palpable falsehood that my children have been representing the GJA at international conferences abroad. With all the emphasis I can muster, none of my five children has ever travelled outside Ghana, let alone represent the GJA.
“This was followed by the laughable allegation that I’m conniving to sell the properties of the GJA. The office building and two abandoned vehicles we inherited are all intact.”
He explained that “we are about to start work on a multi-million dollar, multi- purpose Press Centre Redevelopment Project with 80 percent commercial component to end our perennial dependence on donors. The team of architects and the consultant recently did a presentation to the Minister of Information who promised to give it the necessary push.”
On the allegation that he is manipulating the GJA Election Committee to skew the process in his favour, he said: “Since the election time table was announced, the Assorow Committee has effectively and uncompromisingly been in charge. The decision on who qualifies to vote or stand is entirely theirs. Again, they alone can determine the size of the voters’ register. The Dispute Adjudicating Committee, led by Yaw Boadu Ayeboafoh, is also executing it functions freely and independently. The GJA executive does not, will not and cannot dictate to them.”
He said Johnnie Aryeetey’s Campaign Manager went on radio and television to accuse him of registering GIJ students to vote, which he said is totally false.
“The fact is that a few weeks ago about four young men came to the Ghana International Press Centre to inquire about GJA membership. The Administrative Officer, Fiifi Nettey told them bluntly that they did not qualify to be members.
“At best they could belong to the GIJ Students Chapter, who are not qualified to vote. They left without a single form being issued to them.”
He added that their enquiry was even unnecessary because the membership forms can be downloaded free of charge from the GJA website. The voters list was later published without any of those students.”
He pledged his fullest support to the Election Committee, Dispute Adjudicating Committee, Council of Elders of the GJA and all well-meaning journalists and public figures to help resolve the crisis which has enveloped the election, adding that they should also do all within their power to save our great professional body in an impartial and conciliatory manner.
source: daily guide