Journalists not enemies – Christian Council condemns Ahmed’s murder

The Christian Council of Ghana has added its voice to the numerous calls for state institutions to properly investigate and bring to book the assailants responsible for the killing of Ahmed Hussein-Suale, a member of the Tiger Eye PI team.

Ahmed was shot three times, twice in the chest and another in the neck by unidentified men on motorbike late Wednesday night at Madina in Accra while driving home.

The Council has observed journalists are not enemies but rather partners in development whose works contribute meaningfully to the progress of society.

In a statement signed by General Secretary Rev. Dr. Cyril Gershon Fayose, the Council said it is unacceptable for journalists to be attacked.

“Journalists are not enemies but partners in national development. As conveyors of information, they perform an important role in the democratic decision-making system as their work brags transparency into our societies.

“Journalists act as informants and watchdogs in keeping our communities safe. It is therefore unacceptable when a journalist is attacked,” portions of the statement read.

The Council also wants citizens to play a key role in protecting the lives of journalists by reporting “suspicious characters and activities in their communities to the law enforcement agencies”.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Journalist Association (GJA) says the incident leaves the Association bleeding because it deems an attack on a journalist an attack on the Association and press freedom at large.

The Association, as part of activities marking its 70th anniversary, paid a courtesy call on the Information Minister, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, and called on the government to expedite action in bringing justice to the family of Ahmed.

GJA President Roland Affail Monney also used the occasion to remind the government of its collaboration with the GJA to have protection policy for journalists.