The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has documented over 50 incidents of attacks, assaults, arrests, threats and harassment involving journalists between 2022 and January 2026. This information was disclosed by GJA President Albert Dwumfour at the 30th GJA Media Awards in Accra. The incidents have raised concerns about the safety of media practitioners in Ghana, despite the country's improved position in the global press freedom ranking.
According to Mr Dwumfour, five attacks were recorded in January 2026 alone, with three of them allegedly involving personnel of state security agencies. He emphasized that journalists are not enemies of the state and called for sustained commitment from the government, security agencies and other stakeholders to guarantee the safety of journalists and protect their right to carry out their work.
The GJA President noted that efforts to strengthen press freedom must go beyond improved rankings to address issues such as the financial difficulties of media practitioners, media independence and professional development. He stated that the Association remained concerned about the threats confronting journalists and would not allow the country's improved ranking to overshadow the challenges facing media practitioners.
The GJA has repeatedly urged authorities to put in place stronger protections for journalists and ensure that individuals responsible for attacks against media practitioners are held accountable. The Association's concerns have been renewed due to the risks journalists face in the course of their work, particularly when covering public officials and state institutions.
Ghana's improved press freedom ranking has been a positive development, but the GJA is cautioning against complacency. The Association believes that there is still much work to be done to ensure the safety and security of journalists. Mr Dwumfour emphasized that the responsibility of the Association is to consolidate the gains and address persistent challenges, including journalist safety.
The incidents documented by the GJA have sparked concerns about the safety of journalists in Ghana. The Association is calling for a sustained commitment from all stakeholders to address the challenges facing media practitioners. This includes addressing the financial difficulties of media practitioners, media independence and professional development.
The GJA's efforts to promote press freedom and protect journalists have been ongoing. The Association has been working to strengthen press freedom and ensure that journalists are able to carry out their work without fear of attacks or harassment. The documentation of over 50 incidents of attacks and harassment against journalists is a significant step in this effort, and the GJA will continue to push for stronger protections for journalists.
Key points
- The Ghana Journalists Association has documented over 50 incidents of attacks, assaults, arrests, threats and harassment involving journalists between 2022 and January 2026.
- The incidents have raised concerns about the safety of media practitioners in Ghana, despite the country's improved position in the global press freedom ranking.
- The GJA is calling for sustained commitment from the government, security agencies and other stakeholders to guarantee the safety of journalists and protect their right to carry out their work.
