The Ghana Police Service will be providing updates on the status of investigations and legal actions regarding the incidents of attacks on journalists in the country.
This move is in response to the growing trend of attacks and intimidation directed at journalists and media houses in Ghana.
Minister for Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah who gave the indication at the 27th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Media Awards on October 29, 2023, bemoaned the increasing trend of attacks and intimidation against journalists in the country calling on the Police to expedite actions on all attacks on journalists and related cases before them.
“The phenomenon of attacks and intimidation of journalists and media houses is not abating. Indeed at the Ministry of Information our data suggests that it is worsening. It is a disheartening trend that is becoming a darkening blot on our democratic credentials as a country. Journalists should not have to fear for their safety while doing their jobs. Journalism is a noble and important service to the nation. It is not a crime,” he said.
One of the primary reasons behind the surge in attacks according to the Minister is the lack of swift and severe consequences for those who perpetrate such actions. He said accountability is essential in deterring individuals from engaging in attacks on journalists to ensure that justice is served.
He said government on its part has rolled out series of interventions to address the issue of safety of journalists. One of such interventions he said is the Coordinated Mechanism on the Safety of Journalists established the National Media Commission (NMC) to see to the safety of journalists.
Government, he said is also collaborating with stakeholders including Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in deepening education for state and non-state actors on the safety of journalists. This is in addition to the numerous support government lends out to media associations including media owners to improve the working conditions of journalists and safeguard their rights.
