By Daniel Bampoe
The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has issued its most forceful warning yet to the country’s security apparatus, vowing to take unprecedented actions, including a nationwide media blackout on police activities, if authorities fail to address what the association describes as a sustained campaign of violence, intimidation, and impunity against journalists in Ghana.
Speaking at a press briefing held at the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre in Accra, GJA President Albert Dwumfour condemned what he called the increasing “weaponization of security services” against media practitioners.
He declared that the GJA has “reached its breaking point” following a spate of violent incidents, some captured on video, where journalists were physically attacked, arrested, or unlawfully detained while carrying out their constitutionally protected duties.
A String of Attacks Amid State Silence
According to the GJA, at least 12 attacks on journalists have been recorded across the country within the past seven months.
These range from physical assaults and cyberbullying to illegal arrests and detention, often carried out by state security personnel or under their watch.
The Association cited two high-profile cases in the Ablekuma North constituency as examples of the growing crisis.
During the July 2025 parliamentary election rerun, EIB Network reporter Emmanuel Banahene and JoyNews correspondent Salomey Nartey were both assaulted while covering the process. Footage of Banahene being manhandled by a senior police officer sparked public outrage.
Yet, the GJA reports that the police have not provided tangible updates on prosecuting the officer involved, despite announcing he had been “charged.”
“This is not just a personal attack on journalists,” Dwumfour said, “it is an attack on the public’s right to know, and it undermines the credibility of our democratic processes.”
The Carlos Calony Incident: Censorship by Detention
In a separate but equally disturbing episode, JoyNews journalist Carlos Calony and his cameraman were reportedly arrested, assaulted, and detained by National Security operatives while covering the controversial demolition of businessman Daniel McKorley’s (aka McDan) warehouse in Accra.
The GJA insists the arrest had no legal basis and amounts to censorship through brute force.
Albert Dwumfour demanded that the Ghana Armed Forces and National Security publicly explain the basis for the arrest, release internal findings from any investigations conducted, and punish those involved.
Demands and Ultimatum to State Security
The GJA has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Ghana Police Service with the following demands:
1. A comprehensive update on all journalist assault cases reported in the last seven months.
2. Transparent court proceedings and disciplinary action against the police officer involved in the Ablekuma North assault.
3. A clear roadmap to train officers on media rights and prevent future violence.
4. Immediate identification and prosecution of all suspects involved in attacks on journalists.
Failure to meet these demands will result in a nationwide media boycott of all police-related events and activities.
“This is not a threat,” Dwumfour emphasized. “It is a necessary measure to defend the dignity and safety of journalists in Ghana.”
