Survey Reveals Growing Threats to Media Personnel’s Safety in Ghana

A national survey led by Professor Justice Tankebe and Dr. Emmanuel Sowatey of the University of Cambridge has exposed significant risks to the safety of media personnel in Ghana.

The findings paint a concerning picture of increasing threats, ranging from physical violence to personal attacks targeting journalists’ families, fostering an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty.

Alarmingly, the survey also points to a widespread loss of trust in key institutions, including the police, media employers, and the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), in terms of their ability to protect journalists.

Key Findings: Broad Threats and Erosion of Trust

The survey outlines the multiple dangers faced by media workers in Ghana:

• Prevalence of Threats: Around half of the respondents reported receiving threats through phone calls and messages.
• Fear of Victimization: Journalists voiced concerns over physical attacks, unjust dismissals, robberies, and threats that occur while they are working.
• Risky Coverage Areas: Election campaigns, political corruption, state violence, and issues involving traditional authorities are seen as the most dangerous topics for journalists to report on.
• Low Institutional Confidence: A large number of media professionals expressed a lack of trust in institutions like law enforcement and the judiciary to effectively protect them from harm.

Policy Recommendations: A Call for Action

The survey offers several recommendations aimed at improving the safety of journalists:

• Police Protection Measures: The Ghana Police Service should create a dedicated unit focused on journalist safety, ensuring a more effective response to threats and improving journalists’ confidence in law enforcement.
• Legislative Action: The government is urged to pass laws that specifically address crimes against media personnel, embedding their protection within the legal framework.
• Judicial Accountability: The judiciary, including the Attorney General’s Department, must show a stronger commitment to prosecuting crimes against journalists, helping to deter future offenses.
• Media Ownership Responsibility: Media owners are called to establish safer working environments where journalists can report issues without fear of retaliation and advocate for better working conditions.
• Support from the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA): The GJA should provide journalists with safety training and legal support to help them protect themselves and their rights.

A Critical Moment for Press Freedom

The survey’s findings highlight the dangerous working conditions for journalists in Ghana, especially during politically sensitive times or when covering contentious issues. Without prompt action, the crucial role of the press in fostering democracy and holding power to account could be further undermined.

Professor Tankebe and Dr. Sowatey have urged all relevant stakeholders—including the government, police, judiciary, and media organizations—to prioritize the safety of journalists in order to preserve press freedom and strengthen democracy in Ghana.