In a disturbing incident, five journalists from different media houses were brutally attacked by unidentified men while covering the Council of State Elections in the Ashanti Region on February 11. The victims, who sustained injuries, were reporting on the electoral process at the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council when they were assaulted ¹.
The attacked journalists are Kifi Adede of Oyerepa Radio and Television, Henry Attah Kofei of Osiekrom Dawuro Newspaper, Charles Awuah Mensah of Lawson Television, Gabriel Kwasi Oppong of Angel Broadcasting Network, and Gideon Nana Peprah of Ghana Web. Gideon Nana Peprah recounted the horrific experience, stating that seven men stormed the venue, scattering everything, including ballots and tally sheets. He was slapped, struck with a metal object on his mouth, and ordered to delete videos he had taken.
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) have condemned the attack, calling on authorities to launch an investigation and bring the perpetrators to justice. The GJA President, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, expressed concern about the growing number of attacks on journalists, citing six incidents within one week in February.
The IFJ General Secretary, Anthony Bellanger, emphasized the need for an immediate and decisive response from the authorities, stating that perpetrators of crimes against journalists must be investigated and prosecuted. The IFJ, FAJ, and GJA are closely monitoring the police investigations into the brutal murder of journalist Ahmed Suale, who was shot dead in 2019.
This incident highlights the growing concern for press freedom in Ghana, where journalists are facing increasing violence and intimidation. The authorities must take swift action to ensure the safety and protection of journalists, and to bring perpetrators to justice.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
