The Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG) has expressed deep concern over the recent assault on Legal Affairs Correspondent, Mr. Murtala Inusah, a journalist working for the EIB Network.
In a statement signed by the Chairman of JUSAG’s National Executive Council, Mr. Samuel Afotey, the association stated that the attack was “unlawful and uncultured” and must be condemned unequivocally.
“That attack on a journalist within the premises of the Court is an assault on the Judiciary and the Justice System. It is an attack on press freedom, and an attack on our democracy.”
Mr. Samuel Afotey, Chairman of JUSAG’s National Executive Council
Mr. Afotey described the incident as part of a worrying trend of attacks on individuals who work or conduct business in court premises. He urged the relevant authorities to take immediate, decisive action to prevent such occurrences in the future, ensuring that justice can be accessed in a safe and secure environment.
JUSAG also criticized the police for their failure to arrest the perpetrators on the spot, expressing disappointment that no immediate action was taken to detain those responsible for the attack.
According to a press release by JUSAG, the attack on Mr. Inusah took place while he was carrying out his duties as a legal correspondent. He was reportedly filming events on the court premises when he was assaulted by supporters of Prophet Salifu Amoako, a prominent religious figure.
JUSAG stressed that this incident underscores a growing threat to the safety and security of court staff, journalists, and the general public who use the court premises to access justice.
The association condemned the assault in the strongest terms, calling it a violation of press freedom and a direct attack on the judiciary and the justice system.
This disturbing incident, which occurred on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at the Accra Circuit Court premises, highlighted the growing issue of violence against journalists, court staff, and court users.
Reports suggested that Mr. Inusah’s mobile phone was damaged during the altercation, and disturbing footage and images of the assault have since surfaced online. The material circulating on social media shows Mr. Inusah being attacked in broad daylight, raising significant concerns about safety within the court environment.
Mr. Inusah has since filed a formal complaint at the Ministries Police Station in Accra, and JUSAG has called on law enforcement authorities to expedite their investigations to ensure swift justice for the victim.
Broader Implications for Press Freedom and Justice
JUSAG’s statement also raise
JUSAG’s statement also raised broader concerns about the implications of such attacks on Ghana’s democracy and justice system.
Press freedom is a cornerstone of democratic governance, and any attack on a journalist, particularly in the performance of their lawful duties, is an attack on democratic values. The judiciary, as the upholder of law and order, must be a safe environment for all, including the media, court staff, and the general public.
In light of this, “JUSAG calls for security measures within court premises to ensure that journalists, court staff, and other individuals can conduct their duties without fear of harassment or violence.”
In addition, JUSAG urged media organizations and advocacy groups, such as the GJA, to champion the protection of journalists and to work closely with law enforcement to prevent future incidents of this nature. Press freedom is essential not only for a healthy democracy but also for ensuring transparency and accountability in the judicial system.
JUSAG’s swift and decisive condemnation of the attack serves as a reminder that violence against journalists and court staff is a threat to Ghana’s democracy and justice system. The association’s call for action underscores the need for immediate reform and protection to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
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