STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE GHANA JOURNALISTS’ ASSOCIATION (GJA), MR. ALBERT KWABENA DWUMFOUR ON ATTACKS ON JOURNALISTS AND RELATED ISSUES, JANUARY 7, 2026 at the GHANA INTERNATIONAL PRESS CENTRE, ACCRA

Good afternoon, Colleagues   

The National Executive of your great Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) is grateful for your continuous coverage of our programmes and activities as we endeavour to discharge our mandate. We thank you for responding to our invite to the Constitution Day Press Conference even at short notice.  

We underscore the profound significance of the Constitution Day which is on the 7th of January, as a moment for national reflection on the supremacy of the 1992 Constitution, which remains the bedrock of Ghana’s democratic governance, rule of law, and fundamental human rights.

This commemoration is especially important to the media, whose freedoms, responsibilities and professional mandate are firmly anchored in the Constitution, particularly its guarantees of freedom of expression, media independence and the right of the public to information.

Constitution Day therefore serves as a timely reminder to journalists to recommit to defending constitutionalism, holding duty bearers accountable and safeguarding democratic gains, while also calling on all state institutions and citizens to respect and uphold the Constitution as the ultimate guide for peaceful coexistence, national unity and sustainable development.

The GJA extends its warmest Happy New Year greetings, “Afehyia Pa” to all journalists and media practitioners across the country.

As we enter a new year, the Association reaffirms its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the safety, rights and welfare of journalists, while at the same time promoting professionalism, ethical conduct and responsible journalism in the discharge of our constitutional mandate.

The National Executive remains resolute in upholding the tenets of the journalism profession and will continue to champion the provisions of the 1992 Constitution, particularly Article 21, which guarantees press freedom, freedom of expression and the independence of the media as indispensable pillars of Ghana’s democratic governance.

COMMENDATION OF THE GHANA POLICE SERVICE

The GJA commends the Ghana Police Service, under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohonu, for the deliberate efforts being made to reduce attacks on journalists and improve police–civilian relations. These interventions have contributed to a relatively safer environment for media practice and enhanced public engagement.

We take special note of the historic visit today by His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, to the Police High Command, a powerful symbol of growing public confidence in the Service. We urge the Police Administration to sustain and deepen its professionalism, transparency and public accountability, as public trust remains the cornerstone of effective policing and democratic stability.

Colleagues, Ladies and gentlemen 

A DISAPPOINTING START TO THE YEAR

While the GJA entered this year with hope and prayers for an attack-free year for journalists, it is deeply disappointing and upsetting that the first reported assault against a journalist in 2026 has allegedly been perpetrated by men in uniform - this time from the Ghana National Fire Service. From the Military to the Police, now the Ghana National Fire Service. This development is disturbing and intolerable.

ATTACK ON CLASS FM JOURNALIST AT KASOA- GJA DEMANDS ARREST AND PROSECUTION OF PERPETRATORS

The Ghana Journalists Association condemns, in the strongest possible terms, the brutal, unlawful and reprehensible attack on Class FM journalist, Mr. Samuel Addo, allegedly perpetrated by personnel of the Ghana National Fire Service during a fire outbreak at the Kasoa Market in the Central Region on Sunday, January 4, 2026.

Mr. Addo was lawfully carrying out his professional duties, reporting on the incident which is of major public interest, when he was reportedly assaulted by officers who should have known better.

We all saw the viral video where the journalist and some civilians were being attacked callously with helmets. 

This attack is not only an assault on an individual journalist, but a direct attack on media freedom, the public’s right to information, and Ghana’s democratic order.

The GJA finds this conduct deplorable, disgraceful and indefensible. No emergency or security institution has the authority to intimidate, assault or obstruct journalists under the guise of operational control. Such conduct reflects a dangerous culture of impunity that must be confronted decisively. 

Colleagues, the GJA is appalled and deeply concerned by the wobbling, weak and wholly unacceptable defence put forward by the Ghana National Fire Service through its Public Relations Officer, DO II Desmond Ackah.

The claim that the officers did not assault the journalist but merely seized his phone because he was recording an altercation without permission is untenable, misleading and offensive to basic intelligence.

No officer of the Ghana National Fire Service has the authority to confiscate a journalist’s equipment, obstruct coverage, or demand “permission” for lawful journalistic work at a public emergency scene.

This explanation not only fails to address the serious allegations of assault, but also betrays a disturbing ignorance of press freedom and the law, and reinforces public concerns about institutional attempts to sanitise and justify misconduct rather than confront it with honesty and accountability.

DEMAND FOR POLICE ACTION AND INSTITUTIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY

The GJA calls on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to immediately cause the arrest, thorough investigation and prosecution of all personnel involved in this criminal act.

We stress that internal disciplinary measures alone are insufficient. This is a criminal matter that must be tested in a court of law to serve as a clear deterrent.

We note that Mr. Addo has formally reported the case at the Kasoa New Market Police Station, and we expect the Police Administration to act swiftly and decisively.

Furthermore, the GJA demands that the leadership of the Ghana National Fire Service, led by the Chief Fire Officer, Daniella Mawusi Ntow Sapong publicly condemns this assault, identifies the officers involved and applies severe internal sanctions, including dismissal where appropriate.

Any attempt to shield the perpetrators or trivialise the incident will be fiercely resisted.

We also call for the immediate dismissal or removal of the PRO of the GNFS from the position because our interactions with him on the case shows that he is unfit to be in charge of communication for the Fire Service. 

Again, the GJA demands an unqualified public apology from the Ghana National Fire Service to Mr. Samuel Addo, the Class Media Group and the media fraternity for the trauma, humiliation and professional obstruction caused by this attack.

Colleagues, we commend government through the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu for the condemnation of the assault on Samuel Addo. In a post on X, Mr Kwakye Ofosu condemned the action of the fire personnel, promising that firm action will be taken against the rogue elements who carried out this attack. We pray to see swift action on the case.  

We also applaud the management and the CEO of Class Media Group, Seidu Adongo for coming out boldly with a statement to condemn the attack.  We will collaborate with the Management of Class Media Group and the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications to get justice for Samuel Addo. 

THREATS AND INTIMIDATION OF A JOURNALIST IN SEGE, ADA- GJA DEMANDS PARLIAMENTARY AND PARTY SANCTIONS

Colleagues, the GJA also condemns in the strongest and most unequivocal terms, the alleged threats, intimidation and verbal abuse of Mr. Joseph Akrofi Ocansey, a freelance journalist, formerly of Eagle Fm, by the Member of Parliament for the Sege Constituency, Hon. Daniel Keshie Bessey and the Sege Constituency NDC Communications Officer, Mr. Freeman Edjeodji.

This incident which followed a Facebook post by the journalist calling for accountability from the MP on how he distributed slots allocated to the Sege Constituency for the placement of the youth in the security services, particularly, constitutes a grave assault on press freedom and a deliberate attempt to silence a journalist for exercising his constitutional duty.   

When the Journalist made the post the Youth Organiser and the Communication Officer for the area called him on phone while the MP was on the line where they all abused him verbally for posting on social media demanding accountability without engaging them. 

According to the journalist’s formal complaint to the GJA, the MP allegedly issued direct, life-threatening threats, including a chilling statement about mobilising funds to organise the funeral of the journalist and his parents. These allegations are reckless, reprehensible and criminal.

A DANGEROUS PATTERN OF ATTACKS

The GJA notes with grave concern that this incident is not isolated. Since 2022, we have recorded at least eight (8) cases of attacks on journalists in Ada alone. Tragically, one of these journalists, Mr. Noah Dameh, died as a result of attacks he suffered for doing his work as a journalist. This painful reality underscores the deadly consequences of unchecked hostility against media practitioners.

CLEAR DEMANDS FOR ACTION

In light of the gravity of this matter, the GJA demands that:

Parliament of Ghana immediately initiates appropriate proceedings against Hon. Daniel Keshie Bessey for his conduct that brings Parliament into disrepute.

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) promptly investigates and sanctions Mr. Freeman Edjeodji and the Youth Organiser.

The Ghana Police Service conducts a thorough, impartial investigation and ensure the safety of the journalist since the case has been reported to the police in Ada. 

All persons found culpable are held fully accountable under the law, without fear or favour.

NPP FLAGBEARERSHIP CONTEST

The GJA issues a firm warning to the leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to clearly caution and restrain its supporters ahead of the upcoming Flagbearership contest. Political competition must never be used as an excuse to harass, intimidate or attack journalists. Party leadership must demonstrate responsibility by making it unequivocally clear that attacks on journalists will not be tolerated.

CALL FOR RESPONSIBLE AND ETHICAL JOURNALISM

The GJA urges journalists to remain committed to responsible, accurate and development-oriented journalism. Journalists must prioritise the public interest, promote national development, and contribute to social cohesion through fair, balanced and factual reporting.

The GJA reiterates its unflinching determination to enforce strict adherence to professional ethics.

Ethical journalism is the foundation of credibility and public trust.

The Association will continue to uphold accountability, strengthen professional standards, and defend press freedom.

Colleagues, your National Executive will continue with the monthly briefings, promote ethical journalism, champion welfare issues, organise the World Press Freedom Day, International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, training of journalists on various subject areas, contributes to national discourse and hold the 30th GJA Media awards.

We need the support of all you and our partners to ensure the successful organisation of our programmes and activities for the year. 

CONCLUSION

Let it be stated clearly and unequivocally: journalists will not be silenced by threats, abuse or violence. Ghana must never wait for another life to be lost before acting decisively.

Long Live Journalism in Ghana 

Long Live Ghana’s 1992 Constitution 

Thank you.