The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has recorded more than 50 incidents of attacks, assaults, arrests, threats and harassment involving journalists between 2022 and January 2026. This has raised concerns about the safety of media practitioners and the protection of press freedom in Ghana. The Association's President, Albert Dwumfour, revealed the figures during the 30th GJA Media Awards ceremony in Accra.
Mr Dwumfour called on the government, security agencies and other relevant institutions to demonstrate greater commitment to protecting journalists and respecting their constitutional responsibility to inform the public. He maintained that journalists should not be regarded as adversaries of the state simply because they scrutinise government decisions, investigate alleged wrongdoing or demand accountability from public officials.
The GJA President disclosed that five attacks against journalists were recorded in January 2026 alone, with three of the incidents allegedly involving personnel of state security agencies. This has intensified concerns about the circumstances under which journalists undertake their assignments, particularly when covering sensitive issues involving public officials, security operations and state institutions.
Mr Dwumfour cautioned against allowing improvements in Ghana's international press freedom ranking to overshadow the persistent difficulties confronting media practitioners across the country. Ghana advanced from 52nd position in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index to 39th in the 2026 edition. However, he argued that international rankings alone could not adequately demonstrate the extent of press freedom enjoyed by journalists.
The GJA President stressed that the celebration of improvements in the country's international standing should be accompanied by practical interventions to eliminate the threats confronting media practitioners. He insisted that the reported incidents of attacks and intimidation could not be disregarded simply because Ghana had improved its position in the global press freedom assessment.
Beyond concerns about physical safety, Mr Dwumfour identified economic insecurity, the independence of media organisations and opportunities for professional development as additional challenges requiring sustained attention. He maintained that protecting press freedom involved more than preventing physical attacks, arguing that journalists also needed adequate professional support, financial security and institutional independence to perform their duties effectively.
The GJA President said the Association remained committed to preserving the progress Ghana had achieved in media freedom while intensifying efforts to confront longstanding challenges affecting the profession. The Association has consistently advocated stronger safeguards for journalists, improved accountability mechanisms and appropriate action against individuals found responsible for attacks on media practitioners.
Key points
- The Ghana Journalists Association recorded over 50 incidents of attacks on journalists between 2022 and January 2026.
- The Association's President, Albert Dwumfour, called for greater commitment to protecting journalists and respecting press freedom.
- Ghana improved its position in the global press freedom assessment, but the GJA President emphasised that this should not overshadow persistent challenges confronting media practitioners.
