GJA fights for justice and free speech

By Peter Martey AGBEKO

The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) is currently grappling with a series of overwhelming challenges, including physical assaults on its members and  court-mandated closures of media outlets.

As the world prepares to celebrate World Press Freedom Day, the GJA is fighting for the rights of its members to report without fear of intimidation or violence.

At the heart of the crisis is the recent attack on three journalists in the Western Region. Theophilus Akwasi Agyei Annim of Citi FM/Channel One TV, Henry Emil Fynn of Angel TV, and Jacob Adu-Baah of ABC News/Rok FM were brutally assaulted by illegal small-scale miners (galamsey operators) while covering the destruction of the Breman Adomanya Forest.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the media community, with many calling for greater protection for journalists and an end to the impunity that has characterised the galamsey menace.

The GJA has condemned the attack in no uncertain terms, describing it as “barbaric” and demanding full justice for the three journalists. The association is calling for the police and the court to ensure that the suspects face the full force of the law and that the victims are adequately compensated.

The GJA is also urging the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to take decisive action to end the galamsey menace, which has destroyed vast tracts of forest and water bodies, and to support journalists who are reporting on the issue.

But the GJA is not just fighting for justice for its members; it is also battling to preserve the freedom of the press. In a disturbing development, the Kade District Court has ordered the shutdown of the Esewani Community Radio Station in the Eastern Region, citing noise pollution as the reason.

The GJA has argued that the court erred in law by granting the interim injunction without sufficient evidence and is urging the management of the radio station to take legal steps to quash the order.

The shutdown of the radio station has sparked widespread outrage, with many seeing it as an attempt to muzzle the media and stifle dissenting voices. The GJA has condemned the court’s decision, describing it as a “gagging order” that undermines the freedom of the press. The association is calling on the Chief Justice to take particular interest in the case and to ensure that the decision is reviewed.

Despite these challenges, the GJA remains committed to promoting press freedom and defending the rights of journalists to report without fear of reprisal. The association is planning to commemorate World Press Freedom Day with an evening event to honour distinguished individuals and institutions that have championed and supported the cause of the GJA.

The event, which is scheduled to take place on May 2, 2025, will recognise the contributions of media personalities, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders who have promoted press freedom and supported the development of the media industry in Ghana.

The GJA is also planning to use the occasion to launch a new initiative to promote media freedom and to support journalists who are facing challenges in their work.

As the GJA navigates these challenges, it is also looking beyond Ghana’s borders. The association is planning to participate in the 4th Africa Media Convention in Marrakech, Morocco, which will bring together media practitioners, policymakers, academics, and stakeholders from across the continent to discuss and shape the future of the media in Africa.

The conference, which is scheduled to take place from May 29 to 31, 2025, will provide a platform for African media leaders to share experiences, discuss common challenges, and explore new opportunities for collaboration and cooperation.

The GJA is urging media institutions in Ghana to participate in the conference, which is expected to be a major event on the African media calendar.

As the media landscape in Ghana continues to evolve, the GJA is positioning itself to play a leading role in promoting press freedom, defending the rights of journalists, and supporting the development of the media industry.

The association’s mantra of “Long live press freedom in Ghana! Long live GJA!! Long live Ghana!!” is a rallying cry for all those who believe in the power of the media to shape public discourse, promote accountability, and support democratic governance.

The galamsey menace: A threat to national security

The galamsey menace is one of the most pressing issues facing Ghana today. The destruction of the Breman Adomanya Forest is just one example of the devastating impact of illegal small-scale mining on the environment.

The GJA is calling on the government to take decisive action to end the galamsey menace, which has destroyed vast tracts of forest and water bodies, and to support journalists who are reporting on the issue.

The association is urging the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to enforce the laws and regulations governing mining, to impose maximum sentences on offenders, and to provide support to communities that are affected by the galamsey activities.

The GJA is also calling on the media to continue to highlight the issue, to expose the perpetrators, and to hold the government accountable for its actions.

The importance of press freedom

Press freedom is essential to the functioning of a democratic society. It allows for the free flow of information, promotes accountability, and supports the development of a vibrant civil society. The GJA is committed to defending press freedom, to promoting the rights of journalists, and to supporting the development of the media industry.

The association is urging all stakeholders to join the fight for press freedom, to support journalists who are facing challenges in their work, and to promote a culture of transparency and accountability.

The GJA believes that a free and independent media is essential to the development of Ghana, and it is working tirelessly to promote press freedom and to support the growth of the media industry.

Conclusion

At the present time, the GJA is navigating a perfect storm of challenges, yet it remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting press freedom, defending journalists’ rights, and advancing the media industry.

As we approach World Press Freedom Day, the GJA calls on all stakeholders to unite in the fight for press freedom, support journalists facing obstacles in their work, and foster a culture of transparency and accountability.

The association’s rallying cry—”Long live press freedom in Ghana! Long live the GJA! Long live Ghana!”—embodies the collective belief in the media’s vital role in shaping public discourse, promoting accountability, and strengthening democratic governance.

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