Accra: Mr Albert Dwumfour, President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), has raised concerns about the increasing attacks on journalists in Ghana, describing the situation as alarming and unacceptable.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Dwumfour highlighted that in January 2026 alone, five attacks on journalists were reported, with three incidents allegedly involving state security agencies.
Mr Dwumfour emphasized that these attacks are part of a disturbing pattern of violence, intimidation, harassment, and abuse against journalists performing their duties. He made these remarks during a stakeholders' engagement meeting in Accra focused on journalist safety. The meeting included media heads, owners, editors, press freedom partners, and other key stakeholders.
The engagement aimed to discuss safety standards, legal and medical support for journalists, industry advocacy for accountability, and training on security issues. Beyond physical assaults, Mr Dwumfour noted that journalists covering sensitive issues, such as the Bawku conflict, faced death threats and online abuse.
He warned that this environment of fear and intimidation could lead to mob violence, stating that attacks on journalists threaten the democratic foundation by undermining the public's right to know. Mr Dwumfour referred to Article 162 of the 1992 Constitution, which guarantees media freedom, stressing that it becomes meaningless if journalists face fear and intimidation without consequences for attackers.
In response to attacks, the GJA has adopted a blacklisting strategy against individuals whose supporters assault journalists. Mr Dwumfour stated that this approach has been effective, signalling that attacks carry reputational costs and public scrutiny.
Mrs Gifty Afenyi-Dadzie, former GJA President, urged media owners to support efforts against attacks by providing safety equipment and risk assessment training for journalists. Professor Amin Alhassan, Director-General of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, highlighted the role of journalists in accountability and urged the GJA to name and shame perpetrators of attacks.
The meeting concluded with plans to issue a communiqu© outlining commitments and timelines for protecting journalists, reinforcing editorial independence, and enhancing Ghana's democratic reputation while addressing attacks and impunity.