The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has called on the Attorney General and other prosecuting bodies to treat cases of violence against journalists as a priority. This appeal was made on November 2, as the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists was marked. GJA President, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, emphasized the importance of journalists receiving justice for harm suffered while on duty. The Association also urged the government to provide investigative agencies with necessary resources to expedite inquiries into reported assaults on media workers.
The GJA's appeal comes amid recent reports of assaults on journalists while they carried out their professional duties. These incidents have raised concerns about the safety of media practitioners and the need to address impunity for such attacks. Dwumfour stressed that journalists provide a vital service to the public and should not be regarded as opponents by state institutions. He encouraged the courts to deliver fair and prompt rulings in matters concerning attacks on journalists.
The GJA President urged the Ghana Armed Forces, the Ghana National Fire Service, National Security, and other security institutions to cooperate with inquiries into attacks on reporters. This includes supplying evidence and disciplining any personnel found responsible. Dwumfour insisted that reporters are not enemies, but rather carry out an important duty in the public interest and should be permitted to work in safety.
The Association also called on the government to ensure that public bodies participate in accountability procedures. Furthermore, the GJA asked the government to supply the resources necessary for effective investigations and to make sure public institutions cooperate with accountability processes. This, they believe, will help bring perpetrators to justice and deter future attacks.
Dwumfour's remarks were made as part of the Association's efforts to address the issue of attacks on journalists. He emphasized that the security institutions must cooperate with investigations, produce evidence, and penalize any officers found at fault. The GJA's appeal aims to promote a safer working environment for journalists and ensure that those responsible for attacks on them are held accountable.
The International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists is an important occasion for raising awareness about the challenges faced by journalists. The GJA's appeal is a significant step towards addressing these challenges and promoting a culture of accountability. By prioritizing the prosecution of attacks on journalists, the Attorney General and other prosecuting bodies can help to create a safer and more enabling environment for media practitioners.
The GJA's efforts to address attacks on journalists are ongoing. The Association continues to engage with stakeholders, including the government and security institutions, to promote the safety and well-being of journalists. Key to this effort is the collaboration of all stakeholders in ensuring that journalists can carry out their duties without fear of violence or intimidation.
Key points
- The Ghana Journalists Association has appealed to the Attorney General to prioritize the prosecution of attacks on journalists.
- The Association urged the government to provide investigative agencies with necessary resources to expedite inquiries into reported assaults on media workers.
- The GJA emphasized the importance of security institutions cooperating with investigations into attacks on reporters and disciplining any personnel found responsible.
