The President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, has issued a strong condemnation of the brutal treatment meted out to journalists, emphasizing that such attacks are a direct assault on democracy.
Speaking at the 28th GJA Awards and 75th Anniversary celebration in Accra, Dwumfour urged politicians to refrain from resorting to violence against journalists ahead of the upcoming 2024 general elections.
He encouraged Ghanaians to channel their grievances through appropriate legal and institutional channels, acknowledging that media brutality has significantly decreased due to stringent measures such as blacklisting high-profile individuals and politicians.
Despite this progress, Dwumfour expressed deep concern about the ongoing physical assault, verbal abuse, cyberbullying, and harassment that silence journalists from conducting investigative reporting.
“Politicians must desist from attacking media houses and journalists who are simply doing their job,” Dwumfour stated. “Ghana’s ranking on the World’s Press Freedom Index has been declining due to attacks on the media by high-profile personalities and political parties.”
He continued, “We are grateful for the improvements that have been made, thanks to stringent measures such as the media blacklist and collaboration with the Ministry of Information in capacity building. However, we must remain vigilant and ensure that these positive strides continue.”
Dwumfour warned against media abuse, urging those who feel offended by media reports or publications to utilize the appropriate channels and mechanisms available. “Let us avoid resorting to brute force to silence the media,” he emphasized.
“Attacks on journalists not only harm individuals but also undermine fundamental rights to free expression and access to information,” Dwumfour added. “Physical assault, verbal abuse, cyberbullying, and harassment silence journalists from investigative reporting and compromise our democracy. An attack on the media is an attack on our democracy.”
