GJA Threatens Nationwide Media Blackout Over Police and Military Brutality
Attacks on Journalists in Ghana: The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has issued a bold seven-day ultimatum to the Ghana Police Service and Ghana Armed Forces, demanding immediate action over escalating attacks on media professionals or face sweeping sanctions, including a nationwide media blackout on all police-related activities.
This urgent warning comes in the wake of a disturbing series of violent incidents targeting journalists, with the most recent happening on July 30 during a demolition exercise at Spintex in Accra. JoyNews reporter Carlos Carlony, his cameraman, and an eyewitness were allegedly assaulted by heavily armed military personnel while reporting on the event.
Just weeks earlier, a GHOne TV journalist was attacked while covering the Ablekuma North parliamentary by-election. The GJA also cited previous assaults during the Council of State elections in the Ashanti Region in February, and a violent crackdown on May 27 during a New Patriotic Party (NPP) protest over the arrest of its regional chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako.
Speaking at a press briefing in Accra on Thursday, July 31, 2025, GJA President Albert Kwabena Dwumfour expressed deep concern over the growing trend of violence, calling it a direct threat to press freedom and democratic values.
“This is intolerable,” Dwumfour said. “If the Ghana Police Service does not take decisive steps within the next seven days, we will announce a nationwide media blackout. Our members will cease coverage of police operations, events, and any editorial engagement involving the police.”
He clarified that this move is not an act of aggression but a protective measure to ensure the safety of journalists in Ghana. “This is not a threat. It is a necessary action to defend the integrity and safety of every Ghanaian journalist,” he emphasized.
The GJA’s demands extend beyond the police. The Association also called out the military, urging swift disciplinary action against soldiers allegedly involved in the Spintex assault. According to Carlos Carlony, he was clearly identifiable as a journalist at the scene when he was forcibly detained and assaulted.
“The military must expose and punish the perpetrators. Failure to do so will have damning consequences,” Dwumfour warned. “We will not be silenced. We have the evidence and will boldly expose their misconduct if justice is denied.”
Attacks on Journalists in Ghana. In response to public outrage, the Ghana Armed Forces has confirmed that it has begun internal investigations into what it described as “inappropriate conduct” by its personnel.
Meanwhile, the GJA has unveiled a robust five-point response plan if security agencies fail to take prompt action:
1. Filing civil lawsuits against the implicated officers.
2. Collaborating with local and international human rights bodies to track and pursue justice.
3. Lobbying embassies; including those of the U.S., U.K., Canada, France, and the EU — to impose travel bans on abusive security officers.
4. Petitioning global institutions such as the United Nations, African Union, ECOWAS, and UNESCO to impose sanctions and blacklist offenders from peacekeeping duties.
5. Advocating for domestic disciplinary actions, including halting promotions and enforcing internal sanctions within the security forces.
The Association stresses that these steps are essential to protecting journalists and ensuring Ghana’s democratic space remains vibrant and free.
Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, a veteran media advocate, has joined the calls for immediate action, urging President John Dramani Mahama to intervene decisively or risk the deterioration of press safety and potential loss of lives.
Read also: Mahama Government Slams Soldier’s Assault on Journalist and Eyewitness at Demolition Site
