By Daniel Bampoe
The Ghana Journalists’ Association (GJA) has raised fresh alarm over the safety of journalists in Ghana, condemning a string of attacks and threats against media practitioners that have marred the beginning of 2026, even as the nation marked Constitution Day on January 7.
Addressing a press conference at the Ghana International Press Centre in Accra, GJA President, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, used the occasion to reflect on the significance of the 1992 Constitution while drawing attention to what he described as a disturbing resurgence of violence, intimidation and impunity against journalists.
He noted that Constitution Day, observed annually on January 7, is not only a reminder of the return to constitutional rule but also a moment of special importance to the media.
The freedoms journalists enjoy — including freedom of expression, media independence and the public’s right to information — are guaranteed under the Constitution, particularly Article 21.
According to Dwumfour, these provisions place a responsibility on journalists to defend constitutionalism and hold duty bearers accountable, while obliging state institutions and political actors to respect media freedom as a pillar of democratic governance.
Against this background, the GJA extended New Year greetings to journalists across the country and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting their safety, rights and welfare, while continuing to promote professionalism, ethical conduct and responsible journalism.
Police Commended, But Concerns Persist
The GJA commended the Ghana Police Service, under Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Christian Tetteh Yohuno, for steps taken in recent times to reduce attacks on journalists and improve police–civilian relations.
These efforts, the Association said, have contributed to a relatively safer environment for media practice.
The Association also welcomed the historic visit by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, to the Police High Command on the same day, describing it as a strong signal of growing public confidence in the Police Service.
The GJA, however, urged the Police Administration to sustain professionalism, transparency and accountability, stressing that public trust remains essential to democratic stability.
A Troubling Start To 2026
Despite these positive notes, the GJA said the year had begun on a deeply disappointing and troubling note.
Barely days into 2026, the first reported assault on a journalist was allegedly carried out by personnel of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), following previous incidents involving other security agencies.
The Association condemned in the strongest terms the alleged assault on Class FM journalist, Samuel Addo, during coverage of a fire outbreak at the Kasoa Market in the Central Region on Sunday, January 4, 2026. Addo was reportedly attacked while lawfully performing his duties at a scene of public interest.
Viral video footage of the incident showed Addo and some civilians allegedly being assaulted with helmets.
The GJA described the attack as brutal, unlawful and reprehensible, stressing that it was not just an attack on one journalist, but a direct assault on press freedom, the public’s right to information and the democratic order.
The Association rejected attempts to justify the incident, particularly a response attributed to the GNFS Public Relations Officer, DO II Desmond Ackah, who reportedly claimed that officers only seized the journalist’s phone because he was recording without permission.
The GJA described this explanation as weak, misleading and offensive, arguing that no fire officer has the authority to confiscate journalists’ equipment or demand permission for lawful coverage of public emergencies.
Calls for Arrests, Prosecution And Sanctions
The GJA has called on the IGP to ensure the immediate arrest, investigation and prosecution of all GNFS personnel involved in the Kasoa incident, insisting that internal disciplinary measures alone would be insufficient.
The Association noted that Addo has formally reported the case at the Kasoa New Market Police Station and expects swift police action.
It further demanded that the Chief Fire Officer, Daniella Mawusi Ntow Sapong, publicly condemn the assault, identify the officers involved and apply severe internal sanctions, including dismissal where necessary.
The GJA also called for the removal of the GNFS PRO from his position, describing his handling of the matter as unprofessional and damaging.
In addition, the Association demanded an unqualified public apology from the GNFS to Addo, the Class Media Group and the wider media fraternity.
The GJA commended the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, for publicly condemning the assault and promising firm action against those responsible.
It also praised the management and Chief Executive Officer of Class Media Group, Seidu Adongo, for taking a strong public stance in defence of their journalist.
Threats Against Journalist In Ada Raise Alarm
Beyond the Kasoa incident, the GJA also condemned alleged threats and intimidation against Joseph Akrofi Ocansey, a freelance journalist formerly with Eagle FM, in Sege in the Ada area.
The threats were allegedly made by the Member of Parliament for Sege, Daniel Keshie Bessey, and the constituency’s NDC Communications Officer, Freeman Edjeodji.
According to the GJA, the incident followed a Facebook post by the journalist demanding accountability over how slots allocated to the constituency for youth recruitment into the security services were distributed.
The Association said the journalist was allegedly subjected to verbal abuse during a phone call involving party officials and the MP.
More seriously, the GJA said the journalist’s formal complaint alleged that the MP issued life-threatening statements, including remarks about mobilising funds to organise the funeral of the journalist and his parents.
The Association described the allegations as reckless, reprehensible and criminal.
A Pattern Of Violence
The GJA warned that the Sege incident was part of a dangerous pattern of attacks in the Ada area. Since 2022, at least eight attacks on journalists have reportedly been recorded there.
One journalist, Noah Dameh, later died after suffering attacks linked to his work — a tragedy the GJA said highlights the deadly consequences of unchecked hostility towards the media.
Demands for Parliamentary, Party And Police Action
In response, the GJA called on Parliament to initiate proceedings against Daniel Keshie Bessey for conduct that brings the House into disrepute.
It also urged the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to investigate and sanction its constituency officials involved in the alleged threats.
The Association further demanded a thorough police investigation into the matter and protection for the journalist, noting that the case has been formally reported in Ada.
Warning Ahead of NPP Flagbearership Contest
The GJA also issued a caution to the leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to rein in its supporters ahead of the party’s flagbearership contest.
Political competition, it warned, must never be used as a pretext to harass or attack journalists.
Reaffirming Ethical Journalism
While defending press freedom, the GJA urged journalists to uphold responsible, accurate and development-oriented journalism. It reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing professional ethics, stressing that credibility and public trust depend on ethical conduct.
The Association announced plans to continue its monthly briefings, welfare advocacy, training programmes, observance of World Press Freedom Day and the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, as well as the organisation of the 30th GJA Media Awards.
“Journalists Will Not Be Silenced”
In conclusion, Dwumfour delivered a firm message: journalists in Ghana will not be silenced by threats, abuse or violence.
He warned that the country must not wait for another life to be lost before acting decisively to protect media freedom.
“Long live journalism in Ghana,” he declared, “and long live Ghana’s 1992 Constitution.”
