The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has issued a warning against attacks on journalists, outlining non-negotiable standards for their protection and demanding swift action from security agencies.
The announcement was made by GJA President Albert Dwumfuor during a press conference held on Wednesday, January 28, at the Accra International Press Centre.
In response to escalating threats and assaults on media personnel, the association unveiled a set of “red lines” that must never be crossed.
“No journalist must be assaulted, arrested, threatened, or obstructed for performing lawful professional duties, whether by state security officers, political party supporters or private individuals,” Mr Dzumfuor said.
He added that no security agency is permitted to confiscate journalists’ equipment, delete content, or demand prior permission to cover events of public interest. Any reported threat must be taken seriously, he stressed.
“No reported threat against a journalist must be ignored or treated casually. All threats must trigger immediate risk assessment, protection, and investigation,” he said.
Mr Dzumfuor said that internal disciplinary measures alone are unacceptable where criminal conduct has occurred. “Such cases must be prosecuted in open court. Silence by institutions after attacks on journalists is unacceptable and will be interpreted as tolerance for impunity,” he added.
The GJA also issued several demands to ensure the safety and accountability of journalists. The association is calling for a public release of investigation findings and sanctions by the Ghana National Fire Service within 14 days, warning that failure to comply will result in “drastic measures,” including blacklisting.
It also demands the immediate arrest and prosecution of the police officer involved in the Kukurantumi assault, as well as adequate police protection for journalists under threat, particularly in the Upper East Region.
Mr Dzumfuor urged all security services to issue clear directives prohibiting the assault, obstruction, or intimidation of journalists, while calling on political parties to provide firm commitments to protect journalists during all political activities, including internal elections.
He further said the need for the investigation, arrest, and prosecution of military officers involved in the Walewale assault.
The GJA President added that the association will vigorously pursue accountability for any violation of these red lines and will not hesitate to escalate matters to national and international partners if necessary.
“We will, in the coming days, come out with a firmer stance on the attacks after a high-level engagement with key stakeholders in the media. We encourage all journalists across the country to be strong, fearless, and unwavering in the discharge of their duties for mother Ghana,” he said.
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Source: www.myjoyonline.com
