Kasoa: The Central Region Branch of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has strongly condemned the recent alleged attack on a radio station in Kasoa, calling for a transparent investigation and immediate measures to protect media workers. The Association emphasized that violence against journalists was unacceptable and described disrupting the operations of a media house as a criminal act that has no place in a democratic society.
According to Ghana News Agency, GJA has urged the Ghana Police Service to conduct a swift, impartial, and thorough investigation and to prosecute anyone found culpable, regardless of their political affiliation or position. The Association has also called on the leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to publicly condemn the incident, apologize to the victims, Obatanpa Radio, and the media fraternity, and take appropriate disciplinary action against any party officials found responsible.
In a statement signed by Mr. Kingsley Nana Boadu, Regional Chairman of the Association, the branch described the incident as an "unacceptable assault on press freedom" and expressed deep concern over threats to journalists' safety and the free flow of information in the region. Mr. Boadu highlighted the alleged physical assault on Mr. Bernard Mireku, a producer at Obatanpa Radio, and the reported temporary closure of the station in Kasoa following commentary on internal matters within the NDC in the Awutu Senya East Constituency as unfortunate and not to be condoned.
He further stated that the reported involvement of Dr. Richard Asiedu, Central Regional Chairman of NDC, Mr. Seth Banini, the Municipal Chief Executive for Awutu Senya East, and others, if established, constituted a serious attack on press freedom, media independence, and Ghana's democratic values. The statement emphasized that no political party, public official, or individual has the right to intimidate journalists or interfere with the lawful operations of a media organization due to disagreement with its editorial content.
Mr. Boadu stressed that media freedom is non-negotiable in accordance with Article 162 of the 1992 Constitution, which guarantees media freedom and editorial independence. He urged that journalists must be allowed to perform their constitutional duty without fear, intimidation, or interference. He also mentioned that there are lawful avenues for redress, advising that any person or institution dissatisfied with media content may seek a right of reply, petition the National Media Commission or the GJA, or pursue legal action through the courts.
He condemned the resort to violence, intimidation, or shutting down a media outlet as unlawful and unacceptable. He urged all journalists to let professionalism remain the hallmark of journalism, stating that while the GJA will always defend journalists against unlawful attacks, it equally expects media practitioners to uphold the highest standards of accuracy, fairness, balance, and ethical journalism in the discharge of their duties.
The GJA declared its solidarity with the management and staff of Obatanpa Radio, reiterating that an attack on one journalist is an attack on the entire media fraternity and the public's constitutional right to information. "We call on all political actors to exercise tolerance, respect press freedom, and resolve grievances through lawful and democratic means," the Chairman concluded.