GJA threatens media blackout over attacks on journalists
The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Ghana Police Service to act decisively on recent attacks against journalists or face a nationwide media blackout on all police-related activities.
This follows two recent incidents: the assault on two journalists by a senior police officer during the Ablekuma North parliamentary election re-run, and the arrest and unlawful detention of another journalist and his cameraman by National Security operatives during the demolition of the MacDan warehouse in Accra, owned by businessman, Daniel McKorley.
The journalists affected were Emmanuel Banahene of the EIB Network, Salomey and Carlos Calony of JoyNews.
Speaking at a press conference in Accra on Thursday, GJA President, Mr Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, condemned the incidents as unacceptable and dangerous to press freedom and national security.
He expressed disappointment that the police officer involved in the Ablekuma North incident had yet to be interdicted or prosecuted, despite official police statements promising action.
Mr Dwumfour further demanded a public update on investigations into all reported police-related assaults on journalists over the past seven months and clear disciplinary measures against offending officers. He also called for police training on respecting press freedom.
“We expect these demands to be met within seven days. Failure to do so will compel us to advise all media houses to boycott police activities and declare the service an enemy of press freedom,” he warned.
He again demanded public accountability from the Ghana Armed Forces and National Security for the detention of Mr Calony and his cameraman.
The GJA also plans to take legal action and publish the identities of perpetrators to ensure accountability and protect journalists
BY BENJAMIN ARCTON-TETTEY
