GJA condemns assault on journalist at Kasoa

The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of personnel of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) who allegedly assaulted Mr Samuel Addo, a Class FM journalist, while reporting a fire outbreak in Kasoa. The GJA has also demanded the dismissal or removal of GNFS Public Relations Officer, DO II Desmond Ackah, over the explanation provided in the GNFS press statement regarding the incident.

Speaking at a press conference in Accra, GJA President, Mr Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, described the attack as “deplorable, disgraceful, and indefensible.” He emphasized that Mr Addo was performing his public duty by reporting the fire and acted professionally, noting that the assault was not just an attack on an individual journalist but also a direct violation of media freedom, the public’s right to information, and Ghana’s democratic order.

Mr Dwumfour criticized the GNFS press statement, which claimed that the personnel only seized Mr Addo’s phone for recording an altercation without permission, calling it “misleading, untenable, and offensive to basic intelligence.” He stressed that no GNFS officer has the authority to confiscate a journalist’s equipment or demand permission for lawful reporting at public emergency scenes.

The GJA President urged media houses to refrain from engaging with DO II Ackah until his dismissal or removal is enforced by GNFS leadership.

In related matters, Mr Dwumfour called on Parliament to initiate proceedings against Mr Daniel Keshie Bessey, Member of Parliament for Sege Constituency, for allegedly threatening and verbally abusing freelance journalist Mr Joseph Akrofi Ocansey over a Facebook post demanding accountability for the distribution of security service slots. He also urged the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to investigate and sanction Mr Freeman Edjeodji, the Sege Constituency NDC Communications Officer, for his role in the incident.

Further, he warned the New Patriotic Party (NPP) leadership to restrain its supporters ahead of the flagbearer contest while encouraging journalists to adhere to ethical reporting standards. “Political competition must never be used as an excuse to harass, intimidate, or attack journalists,” he said.

Mr Dwumfour reaffirmed the GJA’s commitment to working with stakeholders, including security agencies and government, to ensure the protection and safety of journalists across the country.

BY BENJAMIN
ARCTON-TETTEY

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