The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has expressed grave concern and unequivocally condemned the violent assault of EIB Network Legal Affairs Correspondent, Murtala Inusah, by sympathizers of Bishop Elisha Salifu Amoako, the founder and leader of Alive Chapel International.
In their press statement, the GJA firmly condemned the incident, describing it as a gross violation of the rights of journalists and a flagrant disregard for the rule of law. The association pointed out that attacks on media professionals undermine the essential role of the press in society, which is enshrined in the 1992 Constitution of Ghana.
“We call on the Ghana Police Service to immediately arrest the assailants and prosecute them, while urging the Judiciary to severely punish them when found guilty,” the statement read.
The GJA urged law enforcement agencies to expedite their investigation and to ensure that justice is served promptly.
“We consider the assault on the journalist and police officer performing their official duties as a devilish act, and the hooligans must be severely dealt with according to law,” the GJA asserted.
Furthermore, the GJA called on the Judicial Service and the Ghana Police Service to provide heightened security for journalists covering court proceedings, particularly in high-profile cases.
The association highlighted the invaluable service that media practitioners render to the nation and urged authorities to ensure their safety as they carry out their constitutional mandate.
Media Urged to Resist Intimidation Upholding Professional Standards
In its statement, the GJA encouraged journalists to remain resolute in the face of intimidation and violence. It reminded media practitioners of their duty to serve the public by reporting on issues of national importance, including the ongoing case involving Bishop Salifu Amoako and his family.
The GJA urged the media to give the case the “biggest publicity it deserves” and encouraged journalists to attend the next court session on October 30, 2024, to report on the proceedings as part of their responsibility to inform the public.
Despite this call for comprehensive coverage, the GJA also issued a cautionary note regarding the ethical considerations surrounding the case, particularly due to the involvement of a minor.
“In line with the GJA Code of Ethics 2017 and the Children’s Act, 1998 (Act 560), which defines a child as a person below the age of 18, the media must avoid disclosing the identity (by name or picture) of the teenage suspect or do anything that may affect his best interest as a child.”
Ghana Journalists Association (GJA)
In a broader reflection on the incident, the GJA expressed disappointment that supporters of Bishop Salifu Amoako, who are presumed to be Christians, resorted to violence.
The association advised the sympathizers to seek more spiritual and peaceful means of addressing their concerns, reminding them of the biblical injunction from 2 Corinthians 10:4: “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal…”
The association also referenced the example of Jesus Christ, who discouraged violence even in the face of persecution. Citing the biblical account of Jesus rebuking Peter for cutting off the ear of a servant of the high priest (John 18:10-11), the GJA urged the sympathizers to emulate the teachings of Christ, who promoted non-violence.
The GJA’s statement concluded with an appeal for restraint and tolerance from the general public, particularly as Ghana approaches the 2024 elections. The association emphasized that journalists play a critical role in safeguarding the public interest, and their work should be respected and protected.
The GJA urged Ghanaians to remain calm and supportive of the media’s role in fostering transparency and accountability, especially in times of heightened political and social tension. It reiterated that attacks on journalists threaten the nation’s democratic fabric and must be unequivocally condemned by all sections of society.
