By Daniel Bampoe
The Ghana Journalists’ Association (GJA) has renewed pressure on the political establishment over what it describes as a dangerous culture of hostility against journalists, citing the death of a journalist in Ada and fresh threats allegedly involving a sitting National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament as evidence that impunity remains entrenched.
Speaking at a Constitution Day press conference at the Ghana International Press Centre in Accra on January 7, 2026, GJA President Albert Kwabena Dwumfour said the Association would no longer treat attacks on journalists as isolated incidents, but as part of a broader pattern that has already cost at least one journalist’s life.
The press conference, held to mark Constitution Day, was intended to reflect on the supremacy of the 1992 Constitution and its guarantees of press freedom, freedom of expression and the public’s right to information.
Instead, it was overshadowed by the GJA’s strong denunciation of political intimidation, security agency brutality and the failure to decisively punish perpetrators of attacks on media practitioners.
Journalist Death Still Haunts Ada
Central to the GJA’s renewed campaign is the case of the late Noah Dameh, a journalist who died after suffering attacks linked to his work in the Ada area.
According to the Association, since 2022, at least eight journalists have been attacked in Ada alone, making the area one of the most dangerous environment for media practice in the country.
Dwumfour said the death of Dameh stands as a grim reminder of what can happen when threats against journalists are ignored and perpetrators are allowed to act without consequences.
He warned that Ghana risks normalising violence against the media if decisive action is not taken.
“We cannot continue to count attacks until another journalist dies before we act,” he said, stressing that the Constitution’s protections mean little if journalists are left exposed to violence and intimidation.
Fresh Allegations Against NDC MP
The GJA’s concerns have been reignited by allegations of threats and intimidation against freelance journalist Joseph Akrofi Ocansey, formerly of Eagle FM, in Sege in the Ada area.
The journalist alleges that he was threatened and verbally abused by the Member of Parliament for Sege, Daniel Keshie Bessey, and the constituency’s NDC Communications Officer, Freeman Edjeodji.
The incident reportedly followed a Facebook post by Ocansey questioning how slots allocated to the Sege Constituency for youth recruitment into the security services were distributed.
According to the journalist’s formal complaint to the GJA, party officials and the MP allegedly confronted him by phone, accusing him of demanding accountability without first engaging them.
More troubling, the GJA said the MP is alleged to have issued life-threatening remarks, including statements about mobilising funds to organise the funeral of the journalist and his parents.
The Association described the alleged comments as reckless, criminal and utterly unacceptable in a democratic society.
GJA Demands Parliamentary And Party Sanctions
Drawing a direct link between past attacks and present threats, the GJA warned that failure to act decisively in the Sege case could deepen the climate of fear that previously led to the death of a journalist in Ada.
The Association has therefore called on Parliament to immediately initiate appropriate proceedings against the MP, Daniel Keshie Bessey for conduct that brings the House into disrepute.
It has also demanded that the leadership of the NDC promptly investigate and sanction Edjeodji and other party officials involved in the alleged intimidation.
In addition, the GJA is calling on the Ghana Police Service to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the matter and to ensure the safety of Ocansey, noting that the case has been formally reported to the police in Ada.
“All those found culpable must be held fully accountable under the law, without fear or favour,” Dwumfour stated.
Constitution Day Underscores Media Vulnerability
The GJA said it was particularly painful that these developments are unfolding at a time when the nation is reflecting on constitutional rule. Constitution Day, observed on January 7, commemorates the coming into force of the 1992 Constitution, which anchors Ghana’s democracy and explicitly guarantees media freedom.
According to the Association, attacks on journalists — whether by politicians or security agencies — amount to direct assaults on the Constitution itself and erode public confidence in democratic institutions.
Broader Pattern of Attacks Nationwide
Beyond Ada, the GJA also raised concerns about a growing trend of attacks involving state institutions. It cited the recent assault on Class FM journalist Samuel Addo at the Kasoa Market by personnel of the Ghana National Fire Service as further evidence that journalists remain vulnerable even when covering matters of public interest.
The Association said these incidents, taken together, point to a troubling national pattern that must be confronted with urgency.
The GJA reiterated its commitment to defending journalists and enforcing professional standards, while urging media practitioners to continue practicing responsible, ethical and development-oriented journalism.
In a strong conclusion, Dwumfour declared that the Association would continue to “chase accountability” at all levels of society, including Parliament and political parties, until attacks on journalists are treated with the seriousness they deserve.
“Ghana must not wait for another journalist to die before acting,” he warned, adding that journalists will not be silenced by threats, abuse or violence in the line of duty.
