–BY Daniel Bampoe
President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, has renewed calls for justice in high-profile cases of media attacks and condemned recent threats against journalists, while urging national authorities to act decisively to protect press freedom in Ghana.
Speaking at the GJA’s monthly news conference held at the Ghana International Press Centre, Mr. Dwumfour outlined ongoing concerns over unresolved cases of assault on journalists, political intimidation, and institutional shortcomings that continue to pose threats to media freedom in the country.
This marks the fourth media engagement organized by the GJA this year, a platform the association uses to address pressing issues affecting the media landscape in Ghana.
Ahmed Suale and Latif Iddrisu Cases
Dwumfour expressed dissatisfaction with the slow pace of investigations into the 2019 murder of investigative journalist Ahmed Hussein-Suale, a member of the Tiger Eye PI team led by Anas Aremeyaw Anas.
While the Police have arrested one suspect in the case, the GJA remains unconvinced by the progress made and has threatened to escalate the matter to the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice, unless clearer and more consistent updates are provided.
The GJA also reaffirmed its stance on pursuing international justice for Latif Iddrisu, a JoyNews journalist who was brutally assaulted by police officers in 2018 while covering a protest at the Criminal Investigation Department headquarters in Accra.
International press bodies including the Federation of African Journalists (FAJ) and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) are backing efforts to pursue justice through global mechanisms.
Barbaric Galamsey-Related Assaults on Journalists
Dwumfour also recounted a recent violent attack on three journalists – Theophilus Akwasi Agyei Annim (Citi FM/Channel One TV), Henry Emil Fynn (Angel TV), and Jacob Adu-Baah (ABC News/Rok FM) – by illegal miners (commonly known as galamsey operators) in the Breman Adomanya Forest on February 21, 2025.
The journalists, who were reporting on illegal mining and environmental degradation, suffered severe bodily harm and equipment damage.
The GJA President lamented the lack of governmental support for journalists covering the hazardous beat of illegal mining, despite their vital role in exposing environmental crimes.
He criticized the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources for not including the media in its interventions and hinted at possible future engagements with the Minister on this oversight.
OSP Accused of Intimidation Over Private Jet Allegation
The GJA strongly condemned the recent arrest and charging of journalist Gordon Asare-Bediako by operatives of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).
Asare-Bediako was accused of spreading false information regarding the alleged request by the Special Prosecutor for the government to purchase a private jet for his official use.
He was later granted bail to the tune of GHS 5 million.
Describing the OSP’s actions as “unlawful” and an “overreach,” Dwumfour revealed that the GJA’s legal team would initiate judicial review proceedings against the OSP to restrain further acts of harassment.
He criticized the shift from lawful prosecution to what he termed “special persecution.”
Condemnation of NPP’s Vice Chair Over TV3 Threats
Tensions between the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and Media General, owners of TV3, escalated in January 2025 when the party withdrew from all Media General programs, citing bias.
The situation worsened on April 16 when the NPP’s 3rd National Vice Chairman, Alhaji Osman Masawudu, was caught on camera pushing a TV3 microphone off a high table during a party press conference.
He later doubled down in a radio interview, threatening violence against any TV3 journalist who attends NPP events.
The GJA described the comments as dangerous and reckless, urging the NPP to distance itself from Masawudu’s statements and demand a public apology.
Dwumfour noted that the threats were not just against individuals but constituted a direct attack on Ghana’s democratic values and the rule of law.
The GJA also commended party leaders, including the General Secretary and Minority Leader, for their immediate calls for calm during the press conference.
Stalemate at the National Media Commission
In a related development, Dwumfour expressed concern about the five-month delay in constituting a new National Media Commission (NMC), following the expiry of the previous board’s mandate in November 2024.
The delay, caused by some constituent institutions failing to submit nominations, has left the media industry without a formal regulator.
He called for the swift submission of all outstanding nominations and urged the NMC Secretariat to begin operations with existing members in the interim.
The absence of the Commission, he stressed, could negatively impact media regulation and accountability across the country.
Looking Ahead: World Press Freedom Day and the Africa Media Convention
The GJA announced plans to commemorate World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) on May 2, 2025, with a unique twist.
This year’s event will recognize institutions and individuals who have supported media freedom and the GJA. This follows a similarly innovative celebration last year, which took place in Koforidua rather than Accra.
Additionally, preparations are ongoing for the 4th Africa Media Convention, scheduled to be held from May 27–30, 2025, in Marrakech, Morocco.
The GJA will play a central role in organizing the event, having hosted a successful convention in Accra the previous year.
On Galamsey and Bawku Conflict: A National Call for Action
In closing, Dwumfour reiterated the media’s commitment to fighting illegal mining, urging the Lands Minister, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, to take bold steps including repealing forest mining laws and declaring states of emergency in critical areas.
He called for journalist protection in hostile reporting environments and collaboration between the Ministry and the GJA.
On the renewed Bawku conflict, the GJA urged all parties to promote peace and support the mediation efforts led by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
Dwumfour called on media houses to be vigilant and avoid giving platforms to conflict instigators, warning that peace in Bawku was essential for national stability.
Asserting the importance of journalistic responsibility, concluded by urging both the media and political stakeholders to prioritize dialogue, tolerance, and the constitutional right to free expression.
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