By Ernest Nutsugah, GNA
Accra, Nov. 8, GNA – Mr Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), has called for justice for media practitioners attacked or assaulted in the line of duty.
Speaking at the 30th GJA Media Awards in Accra on Saturday, he said the Association had recorded more than 50 incidents involving journalists who were attacked, arrested or threatened between 2022 and 2026.
He called for transparent investigations and timely prosecution of perpetrators found culpable, particularly in cases involving security personnel.
“Journalists are not enemies of the state or security institutions; they are partners in national development. An attack on journalists is an attack on press freedom, our democracy and the public’s right to information,” he said.
Mr Dwumfour highlighted the evolving threats facing media personnel and called for the establishment of a dedicated police focal point to handle journalist safety and related complaints.
He said the Association would continue to protect the interests of journalists and support legislation aimed at improving their working conditions and welfare.
“Improving journalists’ welfare is an investment in media independence, professional integrity and the quality of our democracy,” he said.
The GJA President said journalists could not be expected to deliver courageous, independent and ethical journalism without due consideration for the economic circumstances under which they worked.
“Those who dedicate their lives to informing society, holding power accountable and defending the public interest deserve decent working conditions and a dignified standard of living,” he added.
Mr Dwumfour urged media practitioners to operate within the industry’s regulatory frameworks, stressing that enforcement and compliance measures by state officials should be undertaken with fairness, professionalism and sensitivity to their human and economic consequences.
“The fact that a media organisation may have breached a regulatory requirement should not automatically make the livelihoods of its workers collateral damage,” he said.
He commended the award winners and thanked President John Dramani Mahama for supporting initiatives that promoted press freedom.
Mr Felix Fosu Kwakye, Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, urged media owners and stakeholders to invest in professional training, improve working conditions and ensure the safety of journalists in the discharge of their duties.
The ceremony, held on the theme: “30th GJA Media Awards: Celebrating Excellence, Advancing Media Freedom and Combating Hate Speech in the Digital Age,” recognised the media’s contribution to Ghana’s democratic governance, national cohesion and socio-economic development.
It also renewed calls for responsible journalism, media freedom and professionalism in the digital era.
The event further recognised national personalities whose exceptional leadership and service had contributed to Ghana’s democratic governance, public service, security, traditional leadership, entrepreneurship and socio-economic development.
Thirty-six journalists received awards in various categories, including three journalists from the Ghana News Agency.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe
Writer’s email: [email protected]