The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has expressed concern over what it describes as a growing pattern of intimidation of journalists by the Ghana Police Service, following recent invitations and interrogations of media practitioners.
At a press conference in Accra on Wednesday, March 18, the GJA President, Albert Dwumfour, said the association had taken note of developments in February involving the invitation of some senior editors by the Police, cautioning that such actions risk creating an atmosphere of fear within the media landscape.
He cited an incident on 11th February 2026, when the Criminal Investigations Department invited some journalists over an alleged publication of false news following a complaint by the Chief Executive Officer of a state agency. Mr Dwumfour noted that the same matter was already before the courts as a civil case, describing the Police action as intimidation.
“Quite recently, on 11 February 2026, the Police Criminal Investigations Department (CID) invited some of our colleagues following a report of alleged publication of false news made against them by the CEO of a state agency, despite the same matter being pursued in court as a civil case. This action amounts to intimidation targeted at journalists.”
According to him, another journalist was invited by the Police on 24th February 2026 and questioned over publications in his newspaper. The journalist was reportedly asked to respond to allegations, including claims of extortion involving an unnamed third party.
“The Association has also received troubling accounts from one of our colleagues, who reported that following a police invitation on 24th February 2026, he was questioned over publications in his newspaper and asked to respond to unsubstantiated allegations, including claims of extortion involving an unnamed third party.”
He said the journalist requested clarity and evidence to substantiate the claims, but investigators allegedly failed to provide details. He was subsequently granted bail and later subjected to further interrogation, including the examination of his private communications.
More concerning, Mr Dwumfour lamented on an alleged seizure of the journalist’s working tools, including a mobile phone, under what he described as unclear circumstances and without proper documentation, purportedly based on an ex parte court order.
“More concerning is the claim that, under an ex parte court order, the investigator proceeded to seize the journalist’s working tools, including a mobile phone, under unclear circumstances and without proper documentation. The journalist maintains that these actions were carried out on suspicion of an unspecified offence, raising serious concerns about due process and the protection of journalistic work,” the president claimed.
M Dwumfour reiterated GJA’s longstanding call, alongside other media stakeholders, for the repeal of what it describes as “repressive” provisions in the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775) and the Criminal and Other Offences Act, arguing that these laws are often weaponised to intimidate and silence journalists.
“If you feel defamed, seek redress in the courts of law. Do not hide behind the security services under the pretext of fighting false publications to intimidate and harass journalists.”
The GJA maintains that safeguarding press freedom remains critical to Ghana’s democratic governance and has urged authorities to uphold the rights and protections of media practitioners.
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Source: www.myjoyonline.com
