The President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, has issued a stern warning to the leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to caution and restrain its supporters ahead of the upcoming flagbearership contest, amid a rise in threats and abuse against journalists.
Addressing journalists on Tuesday, January 6, the GJA President said political competition must never be used as an excuse to harass, intimidate, or attack members of the press. He urged party leaders to make it unequivocally clear that attacks on journalists will not be tolerated.
“The GJA issues a firm warning to the leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to clearly caution and restrain its supporters ahead of the upcoming Flagbearership contest. Political competition must never be used as an excuse to harass, intimidate, or attack journalists.
“Party leadership must demonstrate responsibility by making it unequivocally clear that attacks on journalists will not be tolerated,” he warned.
Mr Dwumfour also called on journalists to remain committed to responsible, accurate, and development-oriented reporting. He stressed that journalists should prioritise the public interest, promote national development, and contribute to social cohesion through fair, balanced, and factual reporting.
“Ethical journalism is the foundation of credibility and public trust. The Association will continue to uphold accountability, strengthen professional standards, and defend press freedom,” he said.
The GJA President emphasised the Association’s determination to enforce strict adherence to professional ethics and underscored that threats, abuse, or violence will not silence journalists.
“Let it be stated clearly and unequivocally: journalists will not be silenced by threats, abuse or violence. Ghana must never wait for another life to be lost before acting decisively,” Mr Dwumfour added.
The warning forms part of the GJA’s ongoing efforts to safeguard press freedom and ensure the safety of media practitioners during politically sensitive periods.
