Concerned Citizen Petitions GJA to Demand Resignation of GRNMA General Secretary Over Threats Against Journalists

A concerned citizen has waded into the growing debate on press freedom, petitioning the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) to demand the immediate resignation of Dr. David Tenkorang, General Secretary of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), over alleged threats made against journalists.

In a strongly worded petition addressed to the President of the GJA, Mr. Jonathan Quami Dorkenoo expressed alarm over what he described as “reckless and dangerous utterances” by Dr. Tenkorang on Accra-based Neat FM. According to him, the statements not only endangered journalists but also posed a potential risk to their families.

Mr. Dorkenoo warned that Dr. Tenkorang’s leadership position could embolden health professionals to act on his alleged threats, thereby creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation against the media.

“The actions of Dr. Tenkorang have created an environment of fear and insecurity, and his continued role in leadership is unacceptable,” the petition stressed.

The petitioner made three demands to the GJA:

1. That Dr. Tenkorang be compelled to resign from his position as GRNMA General Secretary.

2. That all media houses blacklist Dr. Tenkorang and suspend coverage of GRNMA activities until further notice.

3. That the GJA initiates legal action, including criminal proceedings, against him, citing possible breaches of Ghana’s Criminal Offences Act under the 1992 Constitution.

The petition, which has been copied to state and civil society institutions including the Ghana Police Service, Ghana Bar Association, IMANI Ghana, CDD-Ghana, and several media houses, underscores the seriousness of the allegations.

Mr. Dorkenoo called on the GJA to act swiftly to defend the safety and dignity of journalists, noting that any failure to do so would weaken the association’s credibility as the guardian of press freedom in Ghana.