GJA Demands Justice, Defends Press Freedom

 By Shine Esi Kwawukumey 


GJA President Albert Kwabena Dwumfour 

The President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Mr. Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, has delivered a strong call for justice, accountability, and the protection of press freedom in Ghana at a news conference held today at the Ghana International Press Centre.


Addressing journalists, media stakeholders, and invited guests, Mr. Dwumfour emphasized the association’s unyielding commitment to seeking justice for slain journalist Ahmed Suale. 


While acknowledging the arrest and trial of a suspect, the GJA President expressed dissatisfaction with the pace and transparency of the investigation, reiterating the GJA’s intention to escalate the matter to the ECOWAS Court of Justice if necessary.


“We will only shift from our position when we are totally convinced that justice is at hand,” Mr. Dwumfour stated, adding that similar international action is being considered in the case of journalist Latif Iddrisu.


The GJA President also condemned the brutal assault of three journalists Theophilus Akwasi Agyei Annim, Henry Emil Fynn, and Jacob Adu-Baah by illegal miners in the Western Region. 


Describing the attack as “barbaric,” he criticized the government’s failure to include media practitioners in anti-‘galamsey’ interventions and warned of future demands for accountability from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.


In a related matter, the GJA revealed legal steps being taken against the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) for what it called the unlawful detention and intimidation of journalist Gordon Asare-Bediako. 


Mr. Dwumfour argued that the OSP’s actions exceed its legal mandate and amount to harassment.


“The Special Prosecutor must focus on his mandate and not deviate from it to become ‘Special Persecutor,’” he declared.


On the ongoing standoff between the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and Media General, Mr. Dwumfour addressed the recent threats issued by NPP’s 3rd National Vice Chairman, Alhaji Osman Masawudu, who was caught on camera pushing a TV3 microphone to the floor and later issued threats against the network. 


The GJA President described Masawudu’s conduct as “reckless and regrettable,” demanding an immediate apology and warning that the GJA will hold him responsible for any future harm to journalists.


While commending NPP General Secretary Justin Frimpong Kodua and Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin for their attempts to de-escalate the situation, Mr. Dwumfour urged the party leadership to clearly dissociate itself from Masawudu’s statements. 


He also called on the Police to investigate and act promptly on the threats.


“The media has a constitutional obligation to respond to the call of public interest."


"We cannot and will not be intimidated,” he asserted.


Turning his attention to institutional concerns, Mr. Dwumfour bemoaned the continued absence of a National Media Commission (NMC) since the previous commission’s term expired in November 2024. 


He urged nominating bodies to expedite their submissions to allow for the new commission’s inauguration.


On broader national concerns, Mr. Dwumfour praised ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources in the fight against illegal mining.


He urged more decisive actions, including repealing laws that permit mining in forest reserves and declaring states of emergency in affected areas. 


He called for greater collaboration between the Ministry and the GJA to enhance the media’s role in tackling ‘galamsey’.


Addressing the renewed Bawku conflict, Mr. Dwumfour appealed for peace and lauded the efforts of the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II in facilitating dialogue. 


He urged journalists to exercise caution and avoid inciting tensions through their reportage.


“We must promote peace, not conflict; unity, not division; and tolerance, not tension,” he concluded, reaffirming the GJA’s commitment to media rights, national unity, and democratic accountability.


Injustice to one journalist is a threat to all voices the fight for press freedom must never waver.

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