GJA Condemns Attack on Journalist, Demands Justice

The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has strongly condemned the brutal assault on Class FM journalist, Samuel Addo, by personnel of the Ghana National Fire Service during a fire outbreak at the Kasoa Market in the Central Region.

According to the GJA, the incident is a direct attack on media freedom, the public’s right to information, and Ghana’s democratic order. The Association has demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of all personnel involved in the attack.

GJA’s Demands

• The GJA has called on the Inspector-General of Police to cause the arrest, thorough investigation, and prosecution of all personnel involved in the attack.
• The Association has also demanded that the leadership of the Ghana National Fire Service publicly condemns the assault, identifies the officers involved, and applies severe internal sanctions, including dismissal where appropriate.
• Furthermore, the GJA has demanded an unqualified public apology from the Ghana National Fire Service to Samuel Addo, the Class Media Group, and the media fraternity for the trauma, humiliation, and professional obstruction caused by the attack.

Threats and Intimidation

The GJA has also condemned the alleged threats and intimidation of a freelance journalist, Joseph Akrofi Ocansey, by the Member of Parliament for the Sege Constituency, Hon. Daniel Keshie Bessey, and the Sege Constituency NDC Communications Officer, Mr. Freeman Edjeodji.

The Association has demanded that Parliament initiates proceedings against Hon. Daniel Keshie Bessey for his conduct, which brings Parliament into disrepute. The GJA has also called on the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to investigate and sanction Mr. Freeman Edjeodji and the Youth Organiser.

Support for Journalists

The GJA has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the safety, rights, and welfare of journalists. The Association has also commended the management and CEO of Class Media Group for condemning the attack and has pledged to collaborate with them to get justice for Samuel Addo.

The GJA’s statement emphasizes the importance of press freedom and the need for all stakeholders to respect the rights of journalists to do their work without fear of attack or intimidation.