The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has issued a strong call for arrests, prosecutions and political sanctions following a string of attacks and threats against journalists across the country.
Speaking at a press conference in Accra on Tuesday 6th January ahead of the Ghana Constitution Day observance on 7th January, GJA President Albert Kwabena Dwumfour said the Association would resist any attempt to normalise violence against media practitioners.
Central to the GJA’s concerns is the alleged assault on Class FM journalist Samuel Addo by personnel of the Ghana National Fire Service at the Kasoa Market.
“This conduct is deplorable, disgraceful and indefensible,” Mr Dwumfour said, describing the incident as an abuse of power by officers who should protect the public.
He stressed that emergency situations do not grant security or response agencies the authority to intimidate or obstruct journalists.
The GJA President took particular issue with the Fire Service’s initial response, which suggested the officers only seized the journalist’s phone.
“That explanation betrays a disturbing ignorance of press freedom and the law,” he asserted.
According to him, such narratives fuel public suspicion that institutions are more interested in sanitising misconduct than confronting it honestly.
The GJA has therefore demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of all officers involved, warning that failure to act would embolden future abuses.
“This is a criminal matter that must be tested in a court of law to serve as a deterrent,” Mr Dwumfour said.
The Association also demanded an unqualified public apology from the Ghana National Fire Service to the journalist, Class Media Group and the media fraternity.
Beyond the Kasoa incident, the GJA expressed outrage over alleged threats against journalist Joseph Akrofi Ocansey in Sege, Ada.
According to a formal complaint, the journalist was allegedly verbally abused and threatened after questioning how youth recruitment slots into the security services were distributed.
Mr Dwumfour revealed that the journalist alleged receiving chilling death threats, including references to organising his funeral.
“These allegations are reckless, reprehensible and criminal,” he stated.
The GJA is demanding that Parliament initiate proceedings against the MP involved, while the NDC sanctions its constituency officials implicated in the threats.
The Association also called on the Ghana Police Service to ensure the journalist’s safety and conduct an impartial investigation.
Mr Dwumfour warned political parties against allowing internal contests to fuel hostility towards journalists, particularly ahead of the NPP flagbearership race.
He reaffirmed the GJA’s commitment to ethical journalism, noting that professionalism remains the foundation of public trust.
“We will continue to defend press freedom without fear or favour,” he said.
