PRESS RELEASE:
TEMA GJA CONDEMNS ATTACK ON A REPORTER OF ANGEL BROADCASTING NETWORK AT ASHAIMAN
The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) is terrified and deeply worried about a callous attack on Augustine Ahiabor, a reporter of the Angel Broadcasting Network at Ashaiman.
He had gone to cover the collapse of a private toilet facility at Ashaiman Lebanon Zone Two on May 25, 2023 and his presence incurred the wrath of some members of the community who attacked him.
A man advanced in age and his son led the attack and were subsequently joined by other residents who forced Ahiabor to delete the video shots he had taken, and in the process, physically assaulted him and damaged his smartphone.
Augustine Ahiabor subsequently reported the attack on him at the Ashaiman District Police Command whose officers have assured him and the Tema Regional Branch of the GJA of a thorough investigation to bring all the culprits to book.
Meanwhile, Augustine Ahiabor has received medical attention and is responding to treatment.
We wish to advise the general public to appreciate that journalists work in their interest and so they (public) must accord journalists the respect they deserve in their line of duty.
A Journalist reporting on the collapse of a toilet facility is only helping to bring the accident and problem to the authorities concerned for solution, and that journalistic endeavour only seeks to bring comfort to the people that requires applause, and is never a crime that warrant assault.
Even where community members feel aggrieved by the work of journalists, they must use lawful means to seek redress instead of taking the law into their own hands.
It is worth reiterating that journalism is not a crime and the GJA condemns the attack on Augustine Ahiabor in no uncertain terms.
The safety of journalists should be the concern of all.
The Tema Regional Branch of the GJA will keenly follow developments on the case to ensure that justice is duly served.
Signed
Emma Dzifa Tetteh Tay
Chairperson
Contact: 0244994601
