The President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Mr. Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, has issued a firm rejection of a recent High Court ruling that suggests journalists should report public interest information to security agencies rather than publishing it.
Speaking at the 3rd GJA Dinner Night held at the Ghana International Press Centre on Tuesday, Mr. Dwumfour described the ruling by the Human Rights Division of the High Court as a “complete aberration” and a dangerous threat to investigative journalism. He argued that the suggestion that publication could constitute an invasion of privacy undermines the constitutional mandate of the press to hold power accountable.
The GJA President emphasized that journalism is not an extension of law enforcement and warned that requiring reporters to submit findings to agencies like the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) before publication would stifle transparency and embolden corruption. He assured the media fraternity that the Association would use all lawful means, including legal reviews and advocacy, to oppose the interpretation and protect the editorial independence guaranteed by Article 162 of the 1992 Constitution.
The event, attended by the Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, and the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. A. S. K. Bagbin, served as a platform to reflect on a landmark year for Ghanaian media. Mr. Dwumfour highlighted the success of the 29th GJA Media Awards held at Manhyia Palace and praised the 2024 Journalist of the Year, Godwin Asediba of TV3, for his impactful work.
He also noted that 24 individuals and organizations were honored during the 2025 World Press Freedom Day as “Champions of Press Freedom.” Beyond the legal challenges, the GJA President commended journalists for their resilience in exposing wrongdoing and their commitment to national development, particularly in the fight against illegal mining and the promotion of environmental protection.
He concluded by reaffirming the media’s role as a partner in development, pledging that the GJA will continue to amplify the voices of ordinary Ghanaians while ensuring that journalists can work without fear or intimidation as they head into 2026.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
