Ghana Journalists Association is alarmed over what it called persistent attacks on Journalists, raising grave concerns for press freedom in Ghana.
The National President of the Association at a news conference in Accra, said the GJA is deeply concerned and alarmed- “our anger is rising during this period over the persistent attacks on journalists in the course of their lawful and constitutional duties. These attacks are not isolated incidents but form a troubling pattern of aggression, impunity, and blatant disregard for press freedom, media rights, and the rule of law”.
Mr. Albert Dwumfour, on Thursday, July 31, 2025, submitted with no reservations that the role of the media as the fourth estate and critical watchdog of society is increasingly being undermined through violence, threats, intimidation, and security agencies-protected aggression and “If this trend is not reversed urgently, it will corrode the very bedrock of our democracy”.
According to him, “over the past months, the GJA has documented a growing list of attacks against journalists, including physical assaults, arbitrary arrests, cyberbullying, and obstruction of reportage. We have counted 12 so far this year, which is very alarming and scary. In most of these cases, the perpetrators have either walked free or received minimal sanctions that do little to prevent recurrence”.
He mentioned that these attacks have taken place in parts of the country, perpetrated by both civilians and uniformed security Operatives-Journalists covering elections, crime scenes, protests, demolitions, and other public interest activities have been subjected to harassment, manhandling, and in some cases, detention without legal basis.
Below is the full statement:
STATEMENT BY THE GHANA JOURNALISTS ASSOCIATION (GJA)
ON THE ATTACKS ON JOURNALSISTS AND INSECURITY IN PARTS OF THE COUNTRY DELIVERED BY PRESIDENT ALBERT DWUMFOUR ON THURSDAY, JULY 31, 2025 AT THE GIPC ACCRA
Good afternoon, Colleagues
We want to once again express appreciation to you for responding to our invitation even at a short notice. We appreciate your continuous support towards the work of the GJA in the fulfilment of our mandate.
“Nyame nhyira mo”,
“Mawu ne yra mi”,
“Nyɔŋmɔ ajɔɔ nye.”
“God bless you”
Colleagues, the National Council, National Executive of the Ghana Journalists Association, all journalists and media practitioners across the country are distressed.
We are worried because of recent happenings relating to our constitutionally guaranteed profession.
Before I delve into the troubles that afflict us, permit me to on behalf of the
GJA National Executive, Commiserates with Pure FM for the devastating fire incident at the station in Kumasi.
GJA solidarizes with the management, staff, and listeners of Kumasi-based Pure FM following the devastating fire that gutted the station’s studios last week, causing extensive damage to property and severely disrupting the station’s operations.
This unfortunate incident is a major setback not only to Pure FM but to the wider media landscape in the Ashanti Region and Ghana at large. As a station known for its commitment to credible journalism, vibrant discourse, and public service broadcasting, the loss of its studio facilities is deeply felt by the GJA and the journalism fraternity.
As part of efforts to show support and encouragement, I and my General Secretary Dominic Hlordzi, paid a working visit to the premises of Pure FM in Kumasi to witness the extent of the devastation..
The GJA calls on the general public, corporate institutions, philanthropic individuals, and media partners to support Pure FM in its efforts to rebuild its studios and restore full operations. It is in such moments that solidarity and collective support are needed most to ensure the survival and resilience of independent media.
We commend the journalists and staff of Pure FM for their courage, professionalism, and perseverance in the face of adversity. The GJA stands firmly with Pure FM in this difficult time and will continue to offer all necessary support to see the station rise again stronger and more resilient than ever.
Grave Concerns for Press Freedom in our beloved country
Colleagues, the GJA is deeply concerned and alarmed. Our anger is rising during this period over the persistent attacks on journalists in the course of their lawful and constitutional duties. These attacks are not isolated incidents but form a troubling pattern of aggression, impunity, and blatant disregard for press freedom, media rights, and the rule of law.
We want to say with not reservations that the role of the media as the fourth estate and critical watchdog of society is increasingly being undermined through violence, threats, intimidation, and security agencies-protected aggression. If this trend is not reversed urgently, it will corrode the very bedrock of our democracy.
A String of Attacks: Mounting Threats and Violence
Over the past months, the GJA has documented a growing list of attacks, against journalists, including physical assaults, arbitrary arrests, cyberbullying and obstruction of reportage. We have counted 12 so far, this year which is very alarming and scary. In most of these cases, the perpetrators have either walked free or received minimal sanctions that do little to prevent recurrence.
These attacks have taken place in parts of the country perpetrated by both civilians and uniformed security operatives. Journalists covering elections, crime scenes, protests, demolitions, and other public interest activities have been subjected to harassment, manhandling, and in some cases, detention without legal basis.
This environment of fear is a serious threat to democratic governance, and the failure to punish offenders sends a dangerous signal that violence against journalists is permissible in Ghana.
The Ablekuma North Attacks on Journalists
Ladies and gentlemen the GJA finds its baffling that weeks after a Senior police officer was captured on video attacking a reporter with EIB Network Mr. Emmanuel Banahene, during the Ablekuma North Parliamentary election re-run we are yet to hear of the concrete actions taken by the police administration on the perpetrator of the act. Because apart from issuing two police statements saying the officer has been interdicted and another that the officer has been charged, we are yet to evidently see that the said actions have actually been taken. Till today the police has reluctantly failed to process the officer before court.
A JoyNews reporter of the Multimedia Group Salomey Nartey was also assaulted in Ablekuma North while she was diligently covering the parliamentary election rerun in the Constituency.
This was not only a personal assault; it was an attack on the Ghanaian public’s right to know. Violence against a journalist during a democratic process fundamentally undermines the credibility of that process. It chills free expression, threatens transparency, and sets a dangerous precedent for future elections.
We acknowledge the recent communication by the Ghana Police Service indicating that the officer involved has been charged. While this is a welcome step, the GJA insists that charging alone is not justice. Justice must be seen to be done through a swift, transparent, and fair prosecution that results in meaningful accountability. We urge the police to come out publicly on the identity of the two suspect they claim they have arrested and give detailed information of their arrest as we have stated in the GJA request letter.
Demands to the Ghana Police Service: Time for Action
The GJA hereby demands from the Ghana Police Service:
- A detailed update on the status of investigations into all reported attacks against journalists across the country within the past 7 months.
- A public report on the prosecution of the police officer involved in the Ablekuma North incident, including timelines and court proceedings.
- Clear disciplinary action and sanctions against officers or individuals who have assaulted journalists whether in uniform or civilian attire.
- Specific measures the police service is putting in place to prevent future attacks and to train officers on respecting press freedom and media rights.
We expect these demands to be met within 7 days from the date of this statement. Failure to do so will leave us with no option but to advise all media houses across the country and our memebers to boycott all police-related activities and declare them as enemies of the Press Freedom.
MacDan Warehouse Demolition: Intimidation Through Detention
The GJA is also deeply troubled by the attacks and unlawful detentions by National Security operatives of JoyNews journalist Carlos Calony and his cameraman who were covering the recent demolition of the MacDan warehouse in Accra owned by businessman Daniel McKorley, popularly known as McDan. Mr Calony was at the scene on Wednesday, July 30, 2025 documenting the demolition exercise and the growing tensions between civilians and men in military uniform. In a blatant show of disregard for media rights, the journalist was obstructed, hit at the neck, arrested, harassed, and detained while attempting to gather facts and report to the public.
This arrest and detention were not based on any justifiable legal grounds. Rather, they appeared to be attempts to suppress information and silence scrutiny of the demolition exercise. This is censorship through force and must be condemned in the strongest terms.
We demand that the Ghana Armed forces and National Security provides a public explanation for the arrests and detention of Carlos Calony and his cameraman. Additionally, we request the immediate release of any findings or internal reviews conducted regarding the uniformed officers involved. The media must be allowed to report freely on public matters without fear of reprisal. We are Public Interest Media.
Acknowledging the Presidency’s Statement: A Step Forward, But Not Enough
The GJA takes note of the statement issued by the Office of the President of the Republic of Ghana condemning the spate of attacks against journalists. The GJA appreciates the President’s public stance on this critical matter and acknowledged the recognition of journalists as key actors in Ghana’s democratic space.
However, while we acknowledge the statement as an important symbolic gesture, we urge the Presidency and the government as a whole to match words with decisive action. Ghana’s international standing as a beacon of democracy may be at risk if those who attack journalists with impunity continue to go unpunished or are shielded by institutional silence.
We call on the government to:
- Direct all security agencies to act promptly on reported cases of abuse against media personnel.
- Introduce clear policy measures and training protocols to ensure state actors understand and uphold media rights.
- Publicly support prosecutions and disciplinary actions against those who violate press freedom, regardless of rank or political affiliation.
Legal and Constitutional Context: Journalism Is Not a Crime
It is vital that we always remind ourselves that Article 162 of the 1992 Constitution guarantees the freedom and independence of the media.
Also, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and international conventions to which Ghana is a signatory including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights all underscore the rights of journalists to work without interference.
When a journalist is attacked, arrested, intimidated or harassed it is not merely a personal harm. It is a constitutional breach. It is an assault on the public’s right to know. It is an erosion of democracy. To this end protecting journalists is not a act of kindness it is a constitutional obligation of the state and its security agencies.
The GJA’s Position Going Forward: Zero Tolerance for Impunity
The GJA will not be silent or tolerant in the face of systemic violence against journalists. The Association will no longer accept symbolic condemnations without action. We will no longer allow the work of journalists to be criminalized under the pretext of national security or public order.
If the Ghana Police Service fails to act decisively within the next 7 days, the GJA in consultation with key stakeholders will announce a nationwide media blackout of all police activities. We will instruct our members to withhold coverage of police events, refuse participation in police press briefings, and suspend all forms of editorial engagement involving the police.
This is not a threat it is a necessary action to defend the dignity and safety of every Ghanaian journalist.
A major worrying trend happening now is the usage of our security agencies in causing harm and meting out brutalities to journalists. So we ask, are these frequent attacks on journalists under a President we can confidently and boldly say ‘is our own’ because as we speak he’s still a proud paid up member of the Ghana Journalists Association who shares in the pain and plight of journalists. I will like to take this opportunity to remind the President of how far we have come in our pursuit of press freedom and any attempt to take us back will not be accept. Ladies and gentlemen, it is becoming clearer by the day that politicians pay lip service to attacks and safety of journalists. It is our prayer that we will not be pushed to the extent where we will be considering total media blackout in the country. Again, the military should understand that failure on their part to expose and sanction the said perpetrators of this crime will also have damming consequences.
Our General Resolve
Legal Accountability
- Personal Lawsuits: The GJA shall, through its legal team, file civil assault cases personally against officers who attack journalists. We shall not shield or allow state protection for individual misconduct. The perpetrators shall be sued in their personal capacity to bear full legal consequences.
- Human Rights Petitions; We shall collaborate with human rights bodies locally and internationally to document and pursue justice for each assaulted journalist.
Diplomatic Sanctions
- Engagement with Embassies: Formal communications shall be sent to key embassies including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, and the European Union Delegation in Ghana, urging them to:
– Deny or revoke visas of identified security officers who have attacked journalists.
– Consider such individuals as security risks and enemies of press freedom.
- UN and International Bodies: The GJA will write to the United Nations, UNESCO, the African Union, and ECOWAS to:
- Deny all international postings, assignments, and peacekeeping opportunities to known violators of media rights.
- Demand sanctions and blacklisting of such officers from serving in international missions.
Administrative Pressure
- Petition to Security Councils: The GJA will petition The Ghana Armed Forces Council, and The Police Council requesting that officers who attack journalists be disqualified from promotion and subjected to internal disciplinary proceedings.
Public Shaming and Exposure
- Public Listing of Offenders Starting immediately, the GJA shall publish the names, ranks, and photos of all identified journalist attackers in:
- Monthly front pages of major newspapers.
- Key online news platforms for a period of one year and all over social media platforms.
These individuals will be labeled “Enemies of Democracy and Press Freedom.” We therefore urge or call on the Ghana Armed Forces to furnish us or publish the full details of the soldiers involved in this unfortunate act within 7 days.
- Press Freedom Watchlist: The GJA will launch a Press Freedom Blacklist, publicly naming all individuals and institutions involved in the repression of journalism in Ghana and share with our international partners. (FAJ and IFJ)
Solidarity and a Call to Civil Society
We call on all civil society organisations, TUC, GBA, religious bodies, human rights institutions, and the international community to stand with the media in this crucial moment. When society is silent whenever journalists are attacked that is loud message of complicity and an endorsement of criminality. The GJA urges all stakeholders to add their voices to this call for justice and accountability.
We also encourage the public to appreciate the vital role journalists play in society, not just as informers, but as defenders of truth, transparency, and public interest.
Insecurity in Parts of Ghana
Colleagues, Ladies and gentlemen, the Association is deeply concerned over the rising incidents of insecurity in some parts of the country, particularly in Bawku in the Upper East Region, Nkwanta in the Oti Region, Ashaiman in the Greater Accra Region, and Asawase in the Ashanti Region. These recurring episodes of violence, ethnic tensions, and armed attacks continue to threaten the peace, cohesion, and security of affected communities and pose a significant threat to national stability.
The more disturbing one is the killing of innocent school children while they are in school.
The GJA joins the peace-loving people of Ghana in condemning the lawlessness and acts of violence in these areas, which have claimed lives, displaced residents, and disrupted socio-economic activities. We strongly urge all individuals and groups behind these disturbances to lay down their arms and embrace dialogue and peaceful coexistence. It is often said that the path to lasting peace is never built on bloodshed or destruction, but on mutual respect, negotiation, and understanding.
While we applaud the vigorous efforts of our security personnel in responding to these volatile situations, we believe more can be done to anticipate, prevent, and swiftly contain such threats. We therefore implore the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana Armed Forces, and the various regional and district security councils to adopt a proactive and intelligence-led approach to conflict prevention and resolution.
We acknowledge the government’s recent directive to complement traditional peacekeeping with a more robust enforcement of law and order in areas like Bawku. This is a step in the right direction. Where lives are being lost and communities destabilized, the state must act not only to mediate but to restore order decisively.
We call on the National Security and the Interior Ministry to deepen engagement with local stakeholders, traditional authorities, youth groups, and civil society in order to address the root causes of these disturbances and to create sustainable peace architecture in these conflict-prone zones.
Call For Professionalism Among Journalists In Conflict Reporting
The GJA takes this opportunity to urge all journalists and media practitioners across the country to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, ethical responsibility, and patriotism in reporting on conflict situations, particularly in regions experiencing protracted violence and social instability.
The media has a critical role to play in times of conflicts not just in informing the public, but in shaping narratives that either inflame tensions or promote peace and reconciliation. The GJA strongly encourages journalists to exercise caution, accuracy, and sensitivity in the choice of language, sources, and images used in conflict reportage.
We must be guided by the principles of truth, fairness, and national unity. Conflict reporting must not become a tool for ethnic profiling, political manipulation, or incitement. Rather, it should contribute meaningfully to peace building, conflict resolution, and national development.
The GJA hereby warns journalists and media houses against contributing to the conflict in those areas through the spreading disinformation, promoting hate speech, or using their platforms to incite violence. Such conduct does not only tarnish the image of the noble journalism profession but also undermines national peace.
Let it be known that the GJA will be the first to support law enforcement agencies in applying the full rigours of the law against any media practitioner who is found culpable in fanning conflict through irresponsible or dangerous reportage. The Association will not shield any journalist who breaches ethical standards or violates national security laws under the guise of press freedom.
The Association believes in media freedom, but we also believes in media responsibility. The survival of our democracy depends not only on the freedom to report but on the responsibility to report ethically and constructively. Let us report not just to inform but to heal, to unite, and to build.
GJA’s Encouragement to Journalists
We encourage all journalists to stay fearless. The GJA stands solidly behind every journalist who continues to serve Ghana with integrity, courage, and a commitment to truth. We will continue to defend every journalist. We will not relent in our fight to ensure that you work in safety and dignity.
In conclusion, we will want to repeat what we have been saying with clarity and firmness that JOURNALISM IS NOT A CRIME, and attacks against journalists are attacks against the soul of democracy. We expect swift, tangible, and transparent action from the Ghana Police Service. Our demands are justified, and our patience is fading.
While we say zero tolerance for attacks, we will not be quiet. We will not be intimidated. And we will not allow the enemies of press freedom to win.
Thank you and May God bless journalists across the country.
