The Director of Communications for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Richard Ahiagbah, has called on President John Dramani Mahama to take concrete action to address the recent spate of assaults on journalists in the country, rather than relying solely on statements and promises.
His comments follow a series of attacks on media personnel, including the assault of a GHOne TV reporter during the Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun on July 17, and the reported beating of JoyNews reporter Carlos Calony, his cameraman, and an eyewitness by alleged armed military officers during a demolition exercise at Spintex on July 30.
The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has since warned of a possible nationwide media blackout on police activities if urgent steps are not taken to protect journalists and uphold press freedom.
President Mahama condemned the assault on the JoyNews journalist, reaffirming his commitment to press freedom and directing security agencies to ensure those responsible are punished.
However, speaking on Channel One TV’s The Big Issue on Saturday, August 2, Ahiagbah said the President’s response was insufficient and urged him to ensure that perpetrators face real consequences.
“It’s troubling, we should condemn it in no uncertain terms, that act is unacceptable. President Mahama talking about it is not the solution. What we’re looking for is to stop that environment, give full effect to Article 21, the freedom, speech of citizens, including the media, is guaranteed. We are just asking for what the Constitution has provided.
He added, “President Mahama’s take on the matter is not conclusive. What will be conclusive is that the individuals who have abused citizens’ rights are guaranteed, whether journalists or eyewitnesses. What are the consequences? It is not words, it is action.”
Ahiagbah also referenced previous instances of press assaults under President Mahama’s administration, suggesting that the pattern was worrying and demanded more than rhetoric.
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