The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has escalated its demands for justice following recent assaults on media personnel by police officers and civilians, issuing a strict seven-day ultimatum to the Ghana Police Service to hold those responsible accountable.
At a press briefing, GJA President Albert Dwumfuor called for transparency and swift disciplinary measures, particularly highlighting the case of GHOne TV reporter Kwabena Agyekum Banahene, who was allegedly assaulted by a police officer during the Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun election.
Although the officer in question was interdicted soon after the July 11 incident and formally charged by the Accra Regional Police Command on July 17, GJA insists that this alone is insufficient.
“We demand immediate and visible action, not just isolated charges. Both the officer and any civilians involved must face appropriate consequences without delay,” Mr. Dwumfuor asserted.
The GJA leader warned that failure to meet this demand within seven days would trigger a nationwide boycott of all police-related engagements by journalists, effectively labeling the police as adversaries to press freedom.
This bold stance comes amid a worrying surge in attacks on journalists, with the number of recorded assaults in the first seven months of 2025 already matching the total annual average.
“Journalists are guardians of democracy. When they are targeted, the very foundation of our democratic society is under threat,” Mr. Dwumfuor emphasized.
The Ghana Police Service has yet to publicly respond to the ultimatum, as the media community awaits further developments in the investigation and disciplinary process.
