GJA Threatens Media Blackout Over Attacks on Journalists, Demands Police Accountability
The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has issued a stern ultimatum to the Ghana Police Service, threatening to impose a nationwide media blackout on all police-related activities if swift and decisive action is not taken to address the recent wave of assaults on journalists.
The warning follows a string of violent incidents, including the assault of a GHOne TV reporter during the Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun on July 17, and a July 30 attack on JoyNews reporter Carlos Calony, his cameraman, and an eyewitness—allegedly by armed military officers during a demolition exercise at Spintex, Accra.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, July 31, GJA President Albert Kwabena Dwumfour described the attacks as unacceptable and a grave threat to Ghana’s democracy.
“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 declared.
“This is not a threat. It’s a necessary action to defend the integrity and safety of every Ghanaian journalist.”
Mr. Dwumfour warned that media houses would be directed to cease coverage of police events and editorial engagements if their demands are not met.
The GJA is calling for:
- Immediate investigation and prosecution of all security personnel involved in the attacks.
- Sanctions against offending officers.
- Clear safeguards to prevent future violations against journalists.
The Association emphasized that attacks on the media undermine press freedom, public accountability, and the very fabric of democratic governance.
The call for a media blackout has received backing from a number of journalist unions and civil society organizations, who see the rising violence against the press as a systemic issue requiring urgent reform within the country’s security services.
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