By Opesika Tetteh Puplampu
Ada, Dec. 12, GNA- The Ada Journalists Union (AJU) has expressed deep concern over what it described as escalating attacks on journalists operating within the Ada East and Ada West Districts.
It stated that such acts posed serious threats to press freedom and fundamental human rights, noting that at least five journalists from various media organisations have suffered physical or verbal assaults in the area since 2022.
In a statement signed by Mr Daniel Akpaloo Nyorngmor, Chairman of the AJU, the most recent incident involved an alleged verbal threat by Mr Daniel Keshi Bessey, the Member of Parliament for the Sege Constituency, on Mr Joseph Akrofi Ocansey, a freelance journalist.
The alleged threat, which occurred on Thursday, 27 November 2025, followed a Facebook post in which the journalist questioned the allocation of reported security protocol slots to the constituency.
The Union said evidence available to it suggested that the confrontation was coordinated and that prior to the MP’s alleged remarks, the NDC Communications Officer for the Sege Constituency, Mr Freeman Edjeodji, had reportedly confronted the journalist on a private phone conversation on the same matter.
According to the Union, Mr Keshi Bessey was said to have joined the call and issued verbal abuse and threatening comments.
“In the journalist’s written and recorded account, the MP allegedly stated that he was prepared to “mobilise funds to organise the journalist’s funeral and that of his parents. The MP also allegedly made other demeaning remarks perceived as threats to life.”
The Union has therefore pledged its full support to the ongoing investigation, as the journalist had made a formal complaint with the Ada Divisional Police Command on the issue.
The union emphasised that intimidation and harassment of journalists undermined public accountability and weaken democratic governance, and therefore, called on national authorities, civil society organisations and political parties to condemn such attacks and ensure a safe working environment for media practitioners.
“The world relies on journalists to bear witness and report the truth. Their protection must be paramount,” it stated.
The AJU further urged all journalists to continue upholding the highest ethical standards in their work, grounded in accuracy, fairness and professionalism.
GNA
Edited by Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo/Lydia Kukua Asamoah