The President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, has reiterated the Association’s deep concerns over recent attacks on journalists, the unresolved case of slain journalist Ahmed Suale, and other pressing national issues. Addressing a news conference at the Ghana International Press Centre in Accra, he called on the government, law enforcement agencies, and civil society to take urgent action to uphold press freedom and ensure justice for affected journalists.
Call for Justice in the Ahmed Suale Case
Mr. Dwumfour reminded the media and the public that the GJA had earlier expressed frustration over the prolonged investigation into the murder of investigative journalist Ahmed Suale. The GJA had given the Ghana Police Service until the end of March 2025 to show concrete progress in its investigation, failing which the Association would escalate the matter to the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice.
He further disclosed that he had met with the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), who had given firm assurances of progress on the case. However, Mr. Dwumfour maintained that should the police fail to act within the stipulated timeline, the GJA, in collaboration with international partners such as the Federation of African Journalists (FAJ) and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), would seek justice at higher levels.
Rising Attacks on Journalists
The GJA President also highlighted an alarming increase in attacks on journalists, particularly those covering politically sensitive issues. He cited the brutal assault on Ohemeng Tawiah of the Multimedia Group by illegal miners in the Offin Shelter Belt Forest Reserve and recalled a similar attack on Erastus Asare Donkor last year. Shockingly, within a single week in February 2025, six journalists were assaulted—four in Kumasi and two in Walewale.
“These attacks, especially under the new John Mahama administration, are unprecedented,” he noted. The GJA condemned the failure of the police and security forces to act against perpetrators and warned that Ghana was heading towards lawlessness.
In Kumasi, journalists were attacked while covering the election of the Ashanti Region representative for the Council of State, held at the premises of the Regional Coordinating Council. Despite the location being a government facility, security failed to prevent the assault or make arrests.
In Walewale, military personnel assaulted two journalists covering the burning of a bus at Nalerigu Junction. Mr. Dwumfour condemned the soldiers’ claim that journalists should have been wearing branded jackets, emphasizing that media practitioners should not be subjected to dress codes by security agencies.
The GJA called on President Mahama to take personal interest in these cases, referencing his past commitments to media freedom. “This is the time we expect the President to redeem his pledge,” Mr. Dwumfour stressed.
Undesirable Media Practices
While advocating for press freedom, the GJA also addressed concerns regarding unprofessional media conduct. Mr. Dwumfour criticized Angel FM for branding its midday news as ‘Orgasm News,’ arguing that such a name lacked journalistic decency. “We urge the management of Angel FM to find a more suitable name, taking inspiration from the ethics of journalism,” he urged.
Concerns Over High Chocolate Prices
The press conference also touched on economic issues, particularly the soaring prices of locally-produced chocolate. The GJA noted that despite Ghana being a leading cocoa producer, chocolate remained unaffordable for many citizens. “With a minimum wage of GHS18.15, how can the average Ghanaian afford Golden Tree chocolate at GHS30 or GHS40 per bar?” Mr. Dwumfour asked. He called on the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) and the Cocoa Processing Company to address the pricing issue to encourage local consumption and strengthen the economy.
A Call for Action
Mr. Dwumfour reaffirmed the GJA’s commitment to advocating for journalists’ safety, responsible media practices, and national development. “Long live press freedom in Ghana! Long live the GJA! Long live Ghana!” he declared, urging stakeholders to take the necessary steps to address these pressing concerns.
Source: GhanaNewsOnline