The Human Rights Division of the Accra High Court has fined New Patriotic Party (NPP) staunch supporter, Hajia Fati, GH¢9,000.00 for assault on Adom FM reporter, Ohemaa Akosua Sakyiwaa.
The court, presided over by her ladyship Gifty Adjei Addo, held that Hajia Fati violated the reporter’s fundamental human rights to free expression in the exercise of her profession as a journalist.
The court awarded a total cost of GH¢9, 000.00 against the known vociferous NPP supporter.
The court noted that her action was a threat to media freedom and ought to be punished to serve as an example against others who may intend to interfere with media right freedoms.
The court also observed that protection of such rights and freedoms was critical to a proper functioning democracy.
It, however, did not find the NPP liable, saying the party made it clear that Hajia Fati did not act on its instruction and this was evident in the party’s open condemnation of the assault.
Counsel for the assaulted journalist, Samson Lardi Ayenini, said his client is content that the court upheld her human rights.
Hajia Fati came under a barrage of criticisms in May 2018 after she assaulted the reporter who attempted to take a photo of her at the party’s headquarters in Accra.