The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has issued a stern ultimatum to the Ghana Police Service, threatening a nationwide media blackout on all police-related activities if swift and decisive action is not taken to address a series of violent attacks on journalists.
This warning follows a troubling increase in assaults on journalists while on duty, with the most recent incident involving JoyNews reporter Carlos Carlony, who was nearly arrested, and an eyewitness who was assaulted by a soldier during a demolition exercise at a warehouse allegedly linked to businessman Daniel McKorley, popularly known as McDan.
Another disturbing case occurred during the Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun on Friday, July 11, when Kwabena Agyekum Banahene of the EIB Network was physically assaulted by a police officer.
Despite being clearly identified in a branded outfit and explaining his presence, the officer reportedly ordered him to leave the premises and proceeded to slap him, resulting in injury.
At a press conference, GJA President Albert Kwabena Dwumfour condemned the attacks and called for immediate police action.
“If the Ghana Police Service fails to act decisively within the next 7 days, the GJA, in consultation with key stakeholders, will announce a nationwide media blackout on all police activities,” he announced.
He noted that journalists across the country would be directed to suspend coverage of police events and refrain from editorial engagements with the service.
“This is not a threat, it’s a necessary action to defend the integrity and safety of every Ghanaian journalist,” Dwumfour stressed.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
