The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), has revealed an alarming statistic of attacks on media professionals in Ghana.

In a press release signed by its General Secretary, Kofi Yeboah, the GJA highlighted an urgent call for justice as Ghana prepares to mark the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists on November 2, a day designated by the United Nations to address the safety and freedom of journalists worldwide.

The release detailed a troubling surge in attacks targeting journalists, underscoring how these incidents have created a climate of fear and insecurity for media practitioners

“THIRTEEN journalists and media workers, as well as media houses in Ghana were attacked between January and October this year, according to data available to the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA).”
Ghana Journalists Association (GJA)

Among the nine cases recorded, the GJA asserted that “Sympathizers of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) topped the list of perpetrators, having been involved in three out of the nine separate cases of attack recorded within the period.”

The remaining cases involved various actors, with the Greater Accra Region standing out as the area with the highest number of attacks, recording four cases. These statistics are a stark reminder of the dangers facing journalists, especially in regions with heightened political or social tensions.

The GJA’s report categorized the types of attacks journalists experienced, including physical assaults, gunpoint threats, cyber-attacks, and even a petrol bombing. This assortment of violent acts has left many journalists vulnerable, with their safety and freedom to report being severely compromised.

A particularly disturbing incident was the gunpoint attack on Erastus Asare Donkor, a prominent journalist with Joy FM and the 2022 P.A.V. Ansah Journalist of the Year.

In October, thugs reportedly employed by Edelmetallum Mining Resources Limited threatened Donkor while he was covering illegal mining activities, known locally as “galamsey.”

This intimidation underscores the risks journalists face when reporting on sensitive topics such as illegal mining, which has had devastating effects on Ghana’s environment and water resources.

The GJA also noted other severe cases include the petrol bombing of Accra-based Class FM in April, an attack that threatened not only the station’s property but also the lives of its staff.

Additionally, the GJA indicated that the Fourth Estate, a journalism platform managed by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), suffered a major cyber-attack after publishing an investigative report on corruption within the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat.

This cyber assault disabled The Fourth Estate’s website for an extended period, affecting its capacity to share crucial investigative work with the public.

Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists

The GJA lamented on the lack of accountability for these crimes, “[As] none of the cases has been resolved, and in many instances, no arrest has been made and police investigations into the crimes have left much to be desired.”

According to the GJA, “police investigations into these crimes have left much to be desired,” as arrests are scarce, and many victims remain without justice. This situation has emboldened offenders and left journalists without adequate protection or legal recourse, raising questions about the effectiveness of law enforcement in defending press freedom.

The GJA asserted that this impunity perpetuates a culture of fear that hinders media freedom, which is crucial for a functioning democracy.

On the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, the GJA is demanding that state actors, particularly law enforcement agencies, demonstrate stronger commitment in ensuring justice.

“We demand justice for all these victims to soothe their pain while urging law enforcement agencies to ensure that the perpetrators suffer the pain of incarceration that suit their heinous crimes.”
Ghana Journalists Association (GJA)

This year’s theme for the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists is “Safety of Journalists in Crises and Emergencies.” In line with this theme, the GJA has highlighted a range of crises that raise concerns for journalists’ safety in Ghana.

These include the ongoing illegal mining activities, political tensions surrounding parliamentary affairs, and the upcoming election season, which is expected to heighten security risks for media practitioners.

“We appeal to the Ghana Police Service to provide adequate security to journalists and other media practitioners covering these emergencies in the interest of the nation.”
Ghana Journalists Association (GJA)

Additionally, it called Ghanaians to back media professionals, who serve as key conduits of information, keeping the public informed and holding power to account.

While the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists is officially marked on November 2, the global commemoration for 2024 will take place from November 6-7 at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Under the auspices of UNESCO and the African Union, this year’s event will mark the 10th anniversary of the day’s observance, bringing together media actors from across the world.

As Ghana joins the global community in marking this day, the GJA’s call for justice is a stark reminder of the need for stronger protections for journalists.

Without addressing the root causes of these attacks and ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable, media freedom and the integrity of journalism in Ghana will remain under threat.