Journalists Sanctuary International (JSI) has called on the Ghana Police Service to show real interest in the assassination of Ahmed Suale and also dedicate time and resources towards arresting killers of the slain journalist.

According to the group, it is concerned about the lack of interest, and slow movement if any, by the Ghana Police Service on the so-called investigations into the assassination of Ahmed Suale.

JSI expressed regrets over the lackluster attitude of the Police Service towards the investigations on the assassination of investigative journalist, Ahmed Suale. It noted that it is unfortunate that the indiscernible movement on the matter has finally given reason for the family of the slain journalist to conclude that justice will never be served.

Furthermore, JSI stated that for a country that pats itself on the back as a “democratic giant” in the West African sub region, it is disturbing to see a family of a journalist who was murdered for doing his work, to resign into a state of hopelessness about getting justice.

“We therefore call on the Ghana Police Service to show real interest in the assassination of Ahmed Suale, and to dedicate time and resources to go after the killers, their conspirators, and sponsors. As a professional institution, the Police in Ghana do not need to be told how to carry out their work. However, it is worth noting that when investigating a crime, every clue, regardless of the weight it carries, is taken into account and followed because it could lead the investigator(s) to the real suspect.”
Journalists Sanctuary International

Contained in a statement signed by its President, Latif Iddrisu, it lamented that five years on, a sitting legislator who “sat on television, showed the picture of the undercover journalist, and encouraged random members of the public to assault him for a reward”, has not been compelled to actively aid investigations for the “hate” he exhibited towards the journalist on his TV channel.

Decisive action on assassination of Ahmed Suale

The group explained that the unveiling of Ahmed’s face and the crusade the MP waged against the investigator during that infamous episode, consequently led to the assassination.

“If the Inspector General of the Ghana Police Service is serious and committed to holding aloft the principle of rule of law in a democratic state like Ghana, and if he is mindful of his legacy as progressive, he should as a matter of defensive democracy, channel the energy of the men and women in uniform to pursue with sincerity, every possible course of action to not just find, but publicly name, shame, and try everyone who was remotely and or actively involved in the conspiracy that hatched the idea and resulted in the cold-blooded assassination of Ahmed Suale.”
Journalists Sanctuary International

JSI underscored that the government of Ghana through the ministry of Interior must also show interest in the matter. It reckoned that any real demonstration of interest from the state will send a signal that it does not encourage attacks on journalists irrespective of the personality or establishments that are affected following a professional work by a journalist.

It further urged the Ghana Police Service led by Dr. George Akuffo Dampare to change course with regards to the Ahmed Suale assassination case file.

“Though the Police could not discharge its core mandate to save the life of the journalist, it is sad that the family is throwing their hands in despair that justice will not be served in the event that the legislator who they consider as lead crusader of the assassination of their kinsman becomes President of the West African country, Ghana.”
Journalists Sanctuary International