Protest & Request For Unqualified Apology From GNA

I write on behalf of the Progressive People�s Party (PPP) to protest over the news item put out by the GNA yesterday about our National Convention and request an unqualified apology for the way it sought to mislead the general public. We wish to ask you to investigate this matter because we have cause to believe that one of your employees did this intentionally to cause harm to the PPP. We believe that the news item we are referring to was deliberately put out with the intention of dampening the spirit of our members and casting holding of the National Convention in doubt. The GNA normally is a news agency of very good repute. We have come to rely on GNA�s adherence over the years to high quality editorial and professional standards. So we are at a loss to understand the purpose of this news item. The PPP has NOT advertised that it will hold any election on Saturday, the 25th of February. We have sent invitations to all media houses including the GNA which bears the theme - Educate, Inform & Organize for Victory 2012. We have put out to the general public our purpose for the National Convention � To present to our people, key stakeholders and the general public, the progressive political platform, rules for governance (constitution, leadership) and arrangements for participation in the 2012 parliamentary and presidential elections; to encourage the general public to join and support the Progressive People�s Party; to promote a national membership drive; and to motivate Ghanaians to register to vote when the Electoral Commission re-opens the voters� register. One of our founding members, Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom three weeks ago met Dr. Kwadwo Afare-Gyan, the Chairman of the Electoral Commission to discuss our plans for the Convention and seek guidance. Over a week ago, the EC Chairman was interviewed by JOY FM about the PPP and he gave the green light publicly to our activities. So who are the nameless people the author of the GNA�s news item spoke to? Who in the PPP did the person talk to about the National Convention? Certain organizations and individuals have tried to put road blocks in our way since we announced plans to hold our First National Convention. But the GNA is a public service organization governed by regulations that make it necessary for it to inform and educate the public in the national interest. What is the national interest in this news item? The GNA can do better than this. Your organization must protect its hard won reputation and not allow people with partisan political interests to ruin your credibility. Yours Sincerely,