The President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, has issued a firm and urgent call to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to take decisive action against rising attacks on journalists in the country.
Speaking at the 2025 World Press Freedom Day celebration in Accra, Mr. Dwumfour described the persistent lack of justice for victims as a national failure that undermines democracy and threatens the integrity of Ghana’s media landscape.
In a strongly worded address during the event, held under the global theme “Reporting in the Brave New World – The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media”, Mr. Dwumfour did not mince words:
“We want to reiterate our call on the IGP that the time to act is now. The time to act is now. And Mr. IGP, for the last time, the time to act is now.”
This warning came against the backdrop of disturbing new data from the 2025 World Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders, which revealed a drop in Ghana’s global ranking.
The country moved from 50th position in 2024 to 52nd in 2025, with a sharp decline in the security indicator — falling from 72nd to 86th position within a year. According to the GJA’s internal records, there were 11 assault cases on journalists in February alone this year, with no reported prosecutions or sanctions against perpetrators.
“These records are not good for us, especially on economic security and legislative indicators,” Dwumfour lamented. “It also reinforces the need for us to intensify our efforts at promoting press freedom.”
He noted that while the physical assault of journalists draws more public attention, economic pressures and inadequate legal protections pose equally serious threats. The inability of the justice system to deliver accountability, he argued, contributes to a culture of impunity that emboldens further attacks.
Highlighting the unresolved murder of investigative journalist Ahmed Suale, Mr. Dwumfour emphasised the GJA’s ongoing demand for justice. “We have not been sleeping on the attacks against our members,” he said. “The time for justice, accountability, and deterrence is long overdue.”
The GJA president also acknowledged the presence of key political figures at the event, including the Minister in charge of Government Communication and the Minority Leader in Parliament, urging bipartisan support in the fight for media protection. “The promotion of press freedom is not the burden of only media practitioners; it is the responsibility of all, because the lack of press freedom affects every aspect of our national life,” he said.
The event was also marked by a solemn moment of reflection as attendees observed a minute’s silence in memory of journalists who lost their lives or suffered attacks in the line of duty.
As Ghana navigates the growing influence of artificial intelligence on journalism, Mr. Dwumfour cautioned that press freedom must not be relegated. “We shall continue to protect and promote press freedom even more than we have done before,” he vowed, adding that while the GJA remains committed to defending journalists, it will also not condone irresponsible practices.
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