GJA Threatens Nationwide Media Blackout Over Assaults on Journalists
Accra, Ghana – August 1, 2023 – The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has issued a stern warning of a potential nationwide media blackout on all police-related activities if urgent measures are not taken to address a troubling surge in assaults on journalists. The announcement follows a series of violent incidents that have raised alarm within the media community and beyond.
During a press conference held on July 31 at the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) in Accra, GJA President Albert Kwabena Dwumfour condemned the recent attacks, which include the assault of a GHOne TV reporter during the Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun on July 17, and a shocking incident on July 30 where JoyNews reporter Carlos Calony, his cameraman, and an eyewitness were allegedly attacked by armed military officers during a demolition exercise in Spintex.
Dwumfour described these incidents as “unacceptable” and a direct threat to the democratic fabric of the nation. He emphasized that if the Ghana Police Service does not take decisive action within the next seven days, the GJA will instruct all media houses to cease coverage of police activities. “This is not a threat; it’s a necessary action to defend the integrity and safety of every Ghanaian journalist,” he asserted.
The GJA is demanding immediate investigations and sanctions against the officers involved in these assaults, highlighting that continued attacks on journalists undermine press freedom and threaten public accountability. The association has documented 12 incidents of aggression against journalists this year alone, with many perpetrators escaping accountability, fostering a climate of fear that jeopardizes democratic governance.
In his remarks, Dwumfour also expressed solidarity with Pure FM, which recently suffered a devastating fire, urging the public and corporate entities to support the station’s recovery efforts. He stressed the importance of collective support for the survival of independent media in Ghana.
The GJA’s concerns extend beyond recent assaults to a broader pattern of aggression against journalists, warning that if this trend continues, it could corrode the very foundations of democracy. Dwumfour pointed to the alarming rise in physical assaults and arbitrary arrests of media personnel, calling for a detailed update from the Ghana Police Service on ongoing investigations, particularly regarding the police officer involved in the Ablekuma North incident.
The association also condemned the unlawful detention of JoyNews journalist Carlos Calony and his cameraman during the Spintex demolition, labeling it a blatant attempt to suppress information and silence scrutiny. While acknowledging the President’s condemnation of attacks on journalists, the GJA urged for more decisive actions to ensure accountability, warning that Ghana’s international standing as a beacon of democracy is at risk if those who attack journalists continue to do so with impunity.
In light of ongoing violence in regions such as Bawku, Nkwanta, Ashaiman, and Asawase, the GJA called for a proactive approach from security agencies to address the root causes of these disturbances. They also urged journalists to uphold high standards of professionalism in conflict reporting, emphasizing the need for ethical responsibility in shaping narratives.
Asserting that “journalism is not a crime,” Dwumfour reiterated the GJA’s commitment to defending press freedom and the safety of journalists. He concluded with a rallying cry for media practitioners to remain fearless, stating, “We will not be quiet. We will not be intimidated. And we will not allow the enemies of press freedom to win.”
The GJA’s statement serves as a clarion call for justice, accountability, and solidarity in the face of increasing threats to press freedom in Ghana, underscoring the vital role of a free press in safeguarding democracy.