Investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni has revealed the reasons behind his decision to resign from the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) in 2017. According to him, his departure was prompted by the association’s opposition to his work in exposing corruption.
He explained that the GJA publicly criticized him after he published an investigation that led to the cancellation of a $74 million fraudulent contract awarded to the Jospong Group. Although the investigation was later adjudged the overall best story at the 2018 West Africa Media Excellence Awards, the GJA issued a statement condemning the publication on the grounds that it affected a Ghanaian business.
Manasseh stated that this experience reflected a worrying trend of the GJA aligning with corporate interests rather than supporting accountability journalism. He expressed disappointment that the association had once again allowed a similar situation to occur when it offered its platform to attack The Fourth Estate over its recent report on a contract between the National Lotteries Authority (NLA) and KGL Group.
The report in question revealed that the agreement diverted substantial income from the NLA to KGL, leaving the state institution with minimal returns. Instead of addressing the substance of the investigation, Manasseh noted that KGL’s Executive Chairman used the GJA awards launch to criticize The Fourth Estate, labeling its reporting as sensational and irresponsible.
Manasseh questioned the GJA’s decision to name its annual awards the “GJA/KGL Awards,” describing it as inappropriate for the association to give a platform to a company under scrutiny in a major accountability story. He cautioned that allowing such influence could undermine the independence and credibility of the GJA.
He further argued that investigative journalism is not an attack on local businesses, emphasizing that legitimate Ghanaian companies have long benefited from media support. What the media seeks to expose, he said, are corrupt or unethical dealings involving public funds, not genuine entrepreneurship.
Manasseh maintained that businesses engaged in contracts funded by taxpayers must be ready to account for their actions. He added that accountability journalism should not be misconstrued as unpatriotic or anti-Ghanaian, but rather as a necessary part of safeguarding national interests.
He urged the GJA to resist corporate capture and to uphold its duty to protect journalists and promote ethical, independent reporting.
source: manasseh Facebook page
