Attack on journalists is an insult to our democracy – GJA President

The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has issued a strong condemnation following disturbing scenes at the Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun, where journalists were assaulted while doing their job.

Amid rising tensions at the St Peter’s Society Methodist Church polling station in Odorkor, a JoyNews reporter was slapped and shoved by a police officer, in full view of the camera.

Another assailant, described by witnesses as a hoodlum, also targeted media personnel trying to cover the election.

Addressing the press, GJA President Albert Kwabena Dwumfuor didn’t mince words. “Attack on journalists is an insult to our democracy,” he stated, underscoring the essential role reporters play during elections.

He described the incident as not just damaging but also deeply troubling for Ghana’s international reputation as a country committed to press freedom and human rights.

The parliamentary rerun was already clouded with controversy following reports of violence against former MP Mavis Hawa Koomson, heightening concerns over safety and order at polling stations.

In response, the GJA is demanding swift action. The association has called on authorities to identify and hold both the police officer and the civilian responsible for the assaults accountable.

They stressed that protecting journalists isn’t optional, it’s foundational to a fair, transparent democracy.

As Ghana moves closer to crucial national polls, this incident has sparked broader conversations around the security of media personnel and the responsibility of law enforcement during electoral events.