The Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG) has expressed deep concerns over reports of another disturbing incident of a journalist have been subjected to physical assault in the line of duty.
The incident is said to have occurred on Friday, October 13, 2023, during the vetting process of Parliamentary Aspirants of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for the Odododiodoo constituency.
Reports say Akosua Otchere, a journalist with Citi FM/TV in Accra, was viciously attacked by individuals affiliated with the NDC.
In a statement on Sunday, but PRINPAG noted that “This reprehensible act of violence not only undermines the fundamental principles of press freedom, but it also raises serious concerns about the safety and security of journalists who are committed to providing unbiased and objective news coverage.”
The reported attack comes barely a week after some political thugs affiliated with the New Patriotic Party (NPP) budged into a live programme in the studios of United Television (UTV) in Accra with sticks, stones and machetes, scaring panelists, presenters and producers. That attack was widely condemned by several stakeholders, and many had thought that would have been the last of such incidents.
“The attack on Akosua Otchere last Friday is a clear violation of her rights to carry out her duties without fear of reprisal. The Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG), lends its support to all others who have condemned this act in the strongest terms, and urge the NDC to live up to its words by identifying those criminal elements to bring them to justice.
“It cannot be over emphasized that, journalists play a critical role in our society and democratic governance, ensuring that, citizens are informed and empowered to make well-informed decisions. It is paramount, therefore, that their safety is guaranteed and protected. PRINPAG calls on all political parties and all media stakeholders in the country to prioritize the safety of journalists and to create an environment that fosters freedom of the press,” the statement noted.
PRINPAG advised all politicians to caution their supporters and members to avoid violence, especially against the media, since no democracy can be effective without the active participation and involvement of the media.e
The Association has also encouraged the authorities to swiftly investigate the incident and hold the perpetrators accountable, so as to send a strong message to all that, such acts of violence against journalists will no more be tolerated.
“PRINPAG stands in solidarity with Akosua Otchere and Citi FM/TV and affirms our unwavering commitment to protecting the rights of journalists across Ghana. We urge all members of the media fraternity to remain resilient in the face of such attacks and to continue to uphold their professional mandate and responsibilities,” the statement noted.