GJA raises alarm over 12 attacks on journalists in 7 months

President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Dwumfour, has condemned recent attack on JoyNews journalist Carlos Calony at a demolition site along the Spintex Road in Accra.

The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, has drawn widespread criticism from the media fraternity, with Dwumfour describing the growing trend of assaults on journalists in Ghana as alarming and unacceptable.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen following the incident, the GJA President warned that the safety of media practitioners in the country is under serious threat, a situation he said undermines public confidence in Ghana’s democracy.

“There is much to be done than just issuing statements. Over time, we have condemned the attacks and impunity against journalists- the people who promote our democracy. Yet, security for media men has continually weakened,” he said.

Dwumfour disclosed that the Association has already recorded twelve (12) attacks on journalists since the beginning of 2025.

This figure, he noted, equals the annual average of previous years, although the year is only seven months old.

“Averagely, we record twelve (12) attacks on journalists annually. But we are just seven months into the year, and we have already recorded same number. It means something is not right,” he stressed.

He also criticised the involvement of state security personnel in some of the attacks, accusing them of turning their authority against citizens, including members of the press.

“The security personnel we pay with taxpayers’ money, whose uniforms we sew for them to protect us, are the ones attacking us now. Who is going to protect us?” he asked.

Dwumfour announced that the GJA would address the media and the public on Thursday, July 31, to officially state its position on what he described as a disturbing trend.

“Our eyes are still open. We will make our position clear, and we don’t care who is involved. It is becoming one too many,” he said.

He further called on the National Security Coordinator to take steps to discipline officers accused of misconduct, adding that he hopes the coordinator does not condone such actions.

“I know the National Security Coordinator does not support these things because he is a brother and friend, so, I expect him to call his people to order,” Dwumfour said.

The GJA President reaffirmed the Association’s commitment to defending press freedom and protecting journalists in Ghana.

“We will not be intimidated. We remain resolute in discharging our duties,” he declared.

MRA/VPO

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