Author: Appiah Joshua
The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) on Wednesday, November 2, 2022, commemorated the International Day to end impunity for crimes against journalists with the launch of a GHC2 Million Support Fund for journalists.
The GJA led by its President Albert Kwabena Dwumfour observed the International Day to end the exemption of punishment for crimes against journalists in their field of work.
Speaking at the event, the President said “it is not a day for celebration but it is a day to commemorate and remember journalists who were harassed, attacked, abused, and even killed in their line of duties and to hark back those crimes against journalists that go unpunished.
Here in Ghana, we remember the likes of investigative journalist Ahmed Suale who was killed in 2019, and his family and relatives are still waiting for justice to be served for his murder.”
Mr. Dwumfour added, “In 2022, Ghana fell from 30 places in World Press Freedom Index to number 60 indicating a huge drop. The World Freedom Index report noted cases of journalists being attacked by law enforcement – nearly all of those cases were not prosecuted.
There is no excuse for crime against journalists, they all have the right to sue for false publications, that’s why we are here to add our voice in support of the GJA 2 Million Cedi Fund to protect and support journalists in Ghana.”
He revealed the United States Embassy has so far provided support for 75 reporters in Ghana in the past few months, in addition, to support received for the West Africa Media Excellence Conference and Award as well as the GJA impending Annual awards on November 12th.
The program was graced by Professor Ato Duncan (President General Of Centre Of Awareness Global Peace Keeping), His Lordship Justice Yonny Kulendi (Justice of the Supreme Court on behalf of the Chief Justice), Mrs. Linda Asante Agyei (GJA, Vice President) and also Deputy Inspector General Of Police COP Christian Tetteh Yohuno representing the Ghana Police.
The police in its bid to support the new fund created by the GJA is donating an amount of GHC20,000 which was announced by COP Yohuno during the event.
