GJA gives GAF two-week ultimatum over reported attacks on journalists

The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has given the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) two weeks to provide a clear account of investigations into reported attacks on journalists during demolition exercises at Laboma and La Pleasure beaches.

GJA President Albert Kwabena Dwumfour made the demand at the launch of the 30th GJA Media Awards in Accra, where he expressed concern over what he described as attacks, intimidation and harassment of journalists.

He specifically mentioned the reported incidents involving Philip Abutiate of Bullet TV and Kweku Dennis Sika of Sika Official while covering demolition exercises at the two locations.

Mr Dwumfour said journalists must be allowed to work freely and safely and that security operations should not be used as an excuse to assault media practitioners carrying out their constitutional responsibility of informing the public.

The GJA is demanding that the Ghana Armed Forces provide a clear and comprehensive account of investigations into the reported incidents and disclose the disciplinary or other action taken against personnel found responsible.

The Association’s position comes amid separate demolition exercises in the Laboma and La areas of Accra.

At Laboma Beach in September, journalists from Bullet TV were reportedly attacked and obstructed while covering a demolition exercise. The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) subsequently condemned the incident, saying private security personnel had attacked, intimidated and obstructed the journalists.

At La Pleasure Beach, military personnel from the 48 Engineer Regiment, supported by the Ghana Police Service, carried out a demolition exercise on October 2. The operation was separate from the government’s post-flood mitigation exercise, according to Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Operations Stan Dogbe.

Mr Dwumfour said the GJA remained deeply concerned about the safety of journalists and the need to protect press freedom.

“Journalists must be allowed to work freely and safely,” he said, stressing that no security operation should become an excuse for assaulting media practitioners performing their constitutional duty.

The GJA President said the Association would continue to engage security agencies and other stakeholders to promote an environment in which journalists can carry out their work without fear or intimidation.