Journalists Not Enemies of State, Security Institutions - Dwumfour

The President of the Ghana Journalists Association, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, has called for justice for media practitioners who have been attacked or assaulted while performing their duties. Speaking at the 30th GJA Media Awards in Accra, he noted that the Association had recorded over 50 incidents of journalists being attacked, arrested, or threatened between 2022 and 2026. Dwumfour emphasized that journalists are not enemies of the state or security institutions, but rather partners in national development.

Dwumfour highlighted the evolving threats facing media personnel and called for the establishment of a dedicated police focal point to handle journalist safety and related complaints. He also stressed the need for transparent investigations and timely prosecution of perpetrators found culpable, particularly in cases involving security personnel. According to him, an attack on journalists is an attack on press freedom, democracy, and the public's right to information.

The GJA President emphasized that improving journalists' welfare is an investment in media independence, professional integrity, and the quality of democracy. He noted that journalists cannot be expected to deliver courageous, independent, and ethical journalism without due consideration for their economic circumstances. Dwumfour added that those who dedicate their lives to informing society, holding power accountable, and defending the public interest deserve decent working conditions and a dignified standard of living.

Dwumfour urged media practitioners to operate within the industry's regulatory frameworks, stressing that enforcement and compliance measures by state officials should be undertaken with fairness, professionalism, and sensitivity to their human and economic consequences. He commended the award winners and thanked President John Dramani Mahama for supporting initiatives that promoted press freedom.

The 30th GJA Media Awards ceremony, held on the theme "Celebrating Excellence, Advancing Media Freedom and Combating Hate Speech in the Digital Age," recognized the media's contribution to Ghana's democratic governance, national cohesion, and socio-economic development. The event also renewed calls for responsible journalism, media freedom, and professionalism in the digital era.

Thirty-six journalists received awards in various categories, including three journalists from the Ghana News Agency. The ceremony also recognized national personalities whose exceptional leadership and service had contributed to Ghana's democratic governance, public service, security, traditional leadership, entrepreneurship, and socio-economic development.

The Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Fosu Kwakye, urged media owners and stakeholders to invest in professional training, improve working conditions, and ensure the safety of journalists in the discharge of their duties. The GJA President's call for justice for media practitioners attacked in the line of duty has been echoed by various stakeholders, emphasizing the need for a safe and enabling environment for journalists to perform their duties effectively.

Key points

• The GJA President calls for justice for media practitioners attacked in line of duty.
• The establishment of a dedicated police focal point to handle journalist safety and related complaints is proposed.
• Improving journalists' welfare is an investment in media independence, professional integrity, and the quality of democracy.