Calls For Stronger Media Protection

 By Shine Esi Kwawukumey 


GJA President, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour speaking at the news conference, today.


The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has strongly condemned recent attacks on journalists and called for urgent action to protect media professionals in the country. 


Speaking today at a news conference at the Ghana International Press Centre, the GJA President, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, outlined pressing concerns within the media industry, including journalist safety, press freedom, and national issues such as illegal mining and infrastructure challenges.


Mr. Dwumfour decried the brutal assault of three journalists on February 21, 2025, in the Western Region by illegal small-scale miners (galamsey operators). 


The victims: Theophilus Akwasi Agyei Annim (Citi FM/Channel One TV), Henry Emil Fynn (Angel TV), and Jacob Adu-Baah (ABC News/Rok FM) were reportedly attacked while covering environmental destruction in the Breman Adomanya Forest.


“This attack is barbaric, and we condemn it in no uncertain terms,” Mr. Dwumfour stated.


He called for full justice, urging law enforcement and the judiciary to prosecute the perpetrators and ensure the safety of the journalists involved. 


The GJA also demanded that the case be transferred from Asankragwa to Sekondi for security reasons and that the compensation money lodged with the police be transferred to the journalists without them having to travel to Asankragwa.


The GJA further commended the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources for its commitment to addressing illegal mining and urged President Mahama to take decisive action against galamsey.


“The time to act is NOW! We will not stop highlighting the issues until galamsey stops. 


#STOPGalamseyNow!” he declared.


Another pressing concern raised by the GJA was the recent court injunction ordering the closure of Esewani Community Radio and two information centers in Asuom, Eastern Region, over noise pollution complaints. 


The injunction, granted by the Kade District Court, has been met with strong opposition from the GJA, which argues that it undermines press freedom.


“The court did not carefully consider the grounds for the interim injunction before granting it,” Mr. Dwumfour asserted, emphasizing that shutting down a media house before an Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) assessment is procedurally flawed.


The GJA urged the station’s management to challenge the decision legally and called on the Chief Justice to intervene to uphold media freedom in Ghana.


Beyond media-related concerns, the GJA also addressed a major public safety issue, the lack of streetlights on major roads across the country. 


Mr. Dwumfour called on the Department of Urban Roads and the Ghana Highway Authority to take immediate action to improve road safety and curb crime.


Concluding his address, Mr. Dwumfour reaffirmed the GJA’s commitment to defending press freedom and ensuring journalist safety.


“Long live press freedom in Ghana! Long live GJA!! Long live Ghana!!!” he declared.


The GJA’s stance underscores the ongoing struggles for press freedom, journalist safety, and national accountability in Ghana, setting the stage for continued advocacy and action in the months ahead.

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