The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has declared five firm, non-negotiable standards described as “red lines” that must never be breached in the protection of journalists, amid a worrying surge in assaults, threats and intimidation targeting media practitioners across the country.
Speaking at a press conference at the Ghana International Press Centre on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, GJA President Albert Dwumfour stressed that no journalist should ever be assaulted, arrested, threatened or obstructed while carrying out their lawful professional duties, regardless of whether the perpetrator is a state security officer, a political party supporter or a private individual.
He further insisted that no security agency has the right to confiscate a journalist’s equipment, delete content from their devices or demand prior permission before they cover matters of public interest.
Mr Dwumfour emphasised that every reported threat against a journalist must be taken seriously and must never be ignored or downplayed. Such threats, he said, should immediately trigger a risk assessment, appropriate protection measures and a thorough investigation.
The GJA President made it clear that internal disciplinary action alone is inadequate when criminal acts are committed against journalists. In such cases, he insisted, the matter must be prosecuted openly in court to ensure justice and deterrence.
Finally, he warned that any prolonged silence or failure by institutions to respond after attacks on journalists will be viewed as tacit acceptance of impunity and will not be tolerated.
Mr Dwumfour condemned several recent incidents involving security personnel, including the brutal assault on Class FM reporter Samuel Addo by Ghana National Fire Service officers at Kasoa — for which President John Dramani Mahama has since announced the interdiction of the officers involved, though the Fire Service leadership has yet to publicly disclose details of its internal investigation.
He also denounced the violent attack on UTV and Peace FM Eastern Regional Correspondent Michael Akrofi by a police officer at Tafo-Kukurantumi on January 8, 2026, while the journalist was covering a farmers’ protest against crop destruction by Fulani herdsmen. The officer allegedly strangled Mr Akrofi three times and issued threats, leaving the journalist with severe neck, back and waist pain that required medical attention.
Another incident highlighted was the unprovoked assault on Media General correspondent and GJA North East Regional Secretary Solomon Kwame Kanaluwe by military personnel in Walewale on January 26, 2026. Mr Kanaluwe was beaten with sticks and canes, briefly detained, and had photographs and messages deleted from his phone after he identified himself as a journalist.
The Association expressed particular alarm over death threats, incitement to violence and coordinated online abuse directed at journalists covering the Bawku conflict in the Upper East Region, especially GJA Upper East Regional Chairman Albert Sore.
Mr Dwumfour designated the Bawku area as an “early warning zone for press safety,” calling for sustained police protection, expedited investigations into all reported threats, and the arrest and prosecution of individuals and networks issuing threats or inciting violence.
He issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Ghana National Fire Service to publicly release its investigation findings and sanctions in the Samuel Addo case, warning that failure to comply would prompt “drastic measures,” including blacklisting by the Association.
Among other demands, the GJA called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the police officer involved in the Kukurantumi assault, adequate protection for journalists under threat in the Upper East Region, clear directives from all security services prohibiting intimidation or obstruction of journalists, and swift investigation and prosecution of the military personnel involved in the Walewale incident.
Mr Dwumfour also urged political parties, including the New Patriotic Party ahead of its January 31 presidential primary, to publicly commit to protecting journalists covering their activities.
While commending recent improvements in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service, he noted that the Kukurantumi incident had damaged this progress and called for decisive action to restore confidence.
He renewed his appeal to President Mahama, a former GJA member, to urgently convene the promised meeting with security chiefs and GJA executives to address escalating tensions between the media and security agencies.
The GJA President reiterated that attacks on journalists amount to direct assaults on Ghana’s democracy and the 1992 Constitution. He vowed that the Association would remain resolute, would not be intimidated, and would escalate violations nationally and internationally until full accountability is secured.
He concluded by encouraging all journalists across the country to remain strong, fearless and unwavering in their service to the nation.