NPP Supporters Lead in Assaults on Journalists, Warns Ghana Journalists Association
GJA Reports Disturbing Trends in Violence Against Media as Impunity Poses Serious Threat to Press Freedom in Ghana
- From January to October 2023, 13 journalists and media organizations in Ghana were violently attacked
- None of the attacks have resulted in arrests or resolutions
- The GJA calls for enhanced security measures for journalists
The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) reports a troubling trend, revealing that between January and October of this year, 13 journalists and media organizations faced violent attacks in Ghana.
Notably, supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) were implicated in three of the nine recorded incidents.
In a statement issued for the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists on November 2, GJA General Secretary Kofi Yeboah emphasized the growing dangers that journalists encounter.
The statement highlighted that unknown assailants were involved in three additional attacks, with the Greater Accra region reporting the highest incidence, totaling four cases.
The documented violence includes physical assaults, threats at gunpoint, petrol bombings, and cyberattacks, all of which contribute to a precarious environment for media professionals and threaten press freedom in Ghana.
Among the most alarming incidents is the gunpoint attack on Joy FM’s Erastus Asare Donkor in October, allegedly perpetrated by individuals linked to Edelmetallum Mining Resources Limited. Other significant attacks include a petrol bomb incident at Class FM in April and a cyberattack that targeted The Fourth Estate, following a corruption report concerning the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat.
Unfortunately, none of these cases have led to resolutions, with police investigations and arrests showing little progress. The GJA warns that this lack of accountability not only jeopardizes journalists’ safety but also emboldens future aggressors.
“We demand justice for these victims and call on law enforcement to ensure that offenders face proper consequences,” stated the GJA.
This year’s International Day to End Impunity focuses on the theme “Safety of journalists in crises and emergencies,” shedding light on the pressures facing Ghanaian media, including threats from illegal mining (galamsey), political strife in Parliament, and the impending election season. The GJA cautions that these factors create a fertile ground for potential attacks on journalists.
In light of these challenges, the GJA urges the Ghana Police Service to enhance security measures for journalists covering sensitive topics and to treat attacks on media personnel with the urgency they deserve, especially given the media’s critical role in the upcoming elections. They also encourage the public to acknowledge the vital function journalists serve in informing and safeguarding societal interests.
