The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has expressed deep frustration over the failure of authorities to bring closure to the murder case of investigative journalist Ahmed Suale, seven years after his assassination.
The GJA described the discontinuation of the case as unacceptable and a dangerous precedent that fuels impunity against journalists in the country.
Addressing the media to mark the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, GJA President, Albert Kwabena Dwumfuor, expressed concern over the growing number of attacks on journalists, revealing that at least 13 cases of assault have been recorded between January and October this year alone. The Association is therefore demanding a clear and transparent update from both the Attorney General’s Office and the Ghana Police Service on the current status of the case.
“The Ghana Journalists Association demands a full and transparent explanation from the Attorney General’s Department on the reasons for discontinuing the case. And not only the Attorney General Department but also from the Ghana Police Service, because now we are having contrary briefing or report. So, we are demanding a full and transparent explanation from the Attorney General’s Department and the Criminal Investigative Department of the Ghana Police Service on the reasons for discontinuing the case,” he said
Mr Dwumfuor also called for an extension of the deadline for public submissions on the proposed Misinformation/Disinformation, Hate Speech, and Other Information (MDHI) Bill. The Association insists that the Bill must undergo broader national consultation to avoid creating laws that may suppress free speech and weaken media freedom.
“Even though the GJA acknowledges the urgent need to stem the rising tide of misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech, the association firmly rejects any legislative process that excludes key stakeholders or threatens constitutionally guaranteed freedoms of expression, media independence, and the public’s right to information.
“The GJA, therefore, demands a further extension of the deadline for submitting input to allow for a broad-based, inclusive, and meaningful national dialogue that has the buy-in of all key stakeholders,” he stated.
He also raised concerns over the proposed Cybersecurity Amendments Bill, 2025, warning that some provisions in the draft legislation could pose a threat to press freedom if passed without revision.
“We call for broad engagement and public consultation, and education to properly fine-tune the bill to ensure that every sector that will be directly impacted aligns and understands and makes the needed input that will be in the general public interest.
“If all the amendments seek to cure, will instead worsen or stifle the cyber ecosystem, then we would better tread cautiously.”, he added.