The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has restated its determination to pursue accountability in the unresolved murder of investigative reporter Ahmed Suale and called out a series of recent assaults and intimidations against media practitioners.
Speaking at the Ghana International Press Centre, GJA President Albert Kwabena Dwumfour also pressed for the swift inauguration of the National Media Commission and urged both government and political parties to respect press freedom.
Suale Case Still Unresolved
Despite one arrest, the GJA lamented that key details of the Ahmed Suale killing remain murky. “Our efforts to get clarity from the Police have not been successful,” Dwumfour said, announcing the GJA’s intent to petition the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice and, if necessary, other international bodies to secure justice. He added that the same approach will apply to the pending Latif Iddrisu case.
Brutal ‘Galamsey’ Attacks
Reflecting on the February 21 assault of three journalists covering illegal mining in Breman Adomanya Forest—Citi FM’s Theophilus Agyei Annim, Angel TV’s Henry Emil Fynn, and ABC News’ Jacob Adu-Baah—Dwumfour decried the “barbaric” violence and called for prompt prosecutions. “While the government deploys forces against ‘galamsey,’ it must protect those exposing its destruction,” he urged.
OSP Detention of Gordon Asare-Bediako
The GJA further condemned the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) for detaining TV3 reporter Gordon Asare-Bediako on charges of “publication of false information and communication.” Dwumfour announced that the GJA will seek judicial review and an injunction to prevent what he termed an “unlawful harassment” of the journalist under Act 959.
Political Intimidation at NPP Press Conference
Highlighting a disturbing incident on April 16, Dwumfour recounted how the NPP’s 3rd National Vice Chairman, Alhaji Osman Masawudu, forcibly pushed a TV3 microphone off the podium and later threatened reprisals against journalists. While commending NPP leaders for restoring order, the GJA demanded an apology from Masawudu and for the party to distance itself from his threats. “The media has a constitutional duty to report the public interest without fear,” Dwumfour stated.
National Media Commission and Upcoming Events
Pointing to a five-month vacancy on the National Media Commission, Dwumfour urged all appointing bodies to submit their nominations without delay. He also announced plans to honour champions of press freedom at this year’s World Press Freedom Day on May 2 and to co-host the 4th Africa Media Convention in Marrakech from May 27–30.
Calls for Peace and Responsible Reporting
On broader national concerns, the GJA vowed to maintain its investigative spotlight on ‘galamsey’ and hailed recent efforts by the Lands Ministry while calling for stronger legal tools and protection for reporters in mining zones. Regarding the renewed Bawku conflict, Dwumfour appealed for “extreme circumspection” in media coverage to avoid inflaming tensions and urged support for peace mediation led by Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
Concluding his address, Dwumfour reiterated, “Let the resurrection of media freedom be our guiding light. Press freedom is non-negotiable, and the GJA will defend it resolutely.”
