Journalists are not enemies of the state, security institutions – Dwumfour

Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), has called for justice for media practitioners attacked or assaulted in the line of duty.

Speaking at the 30th GJA Media Awards in Accra on Saturday, he said the Association had recorded more than 50 incidents involving journalists who were attacked, arrested or threatened between 2022 and 2026.

He called for transparent investigations and timely prosecution of culpable perpetrators, particularly in cases involving security personnel.

“Journalists are not enemies of the state or security institutions; they are partners in national development. An attack on journalists is an attack on press freedom, our democracy and the public’s right to information,” he said.

Mr Dwumfour highlighted the evolving threats facing media personnel and called for a dedicated police focal point to handle journalist safety and related complaints.

He said the Association would continue to protect journalists' interests and support legislation to improve their working conditions and welfare.

“Improving journalists’ welfare is an investment in media independence, professional integrity and the quality of our democracy,” he said.

The GJA President said journalists could not be expected to deliver courageous, independent and ethical journalism without due consideration for the economic circumstances under which they worked.

“Those who dedicate their lives to informing society, holding power accountable and defending the public interest deserve decent working conditions and a dignified standard of living,” he added.

Mr Dwumfour urged media practitioners to operate within the industry’s regulatory frameworks, stressing that state officials should enforce and ensure compliance with fairness, professionalism, and sensitivity to the human and economic consequences.

“The fact that a media organisation may have breached a regulatory requirement should not automatically make the livelihoods of its workers collateral damage,” he said.

He commended the award winners and thanked President John Dramani Mahama for supporting initiatives that promoted press freedom.

Mr Felix Fosu Kwakye, Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, urged media owners and stakeholders to invest in professional training, improve working conditions, and ensure journalists' safety as they discharge their duties.

The ceremony, held on the theme: “30th GJA Media Awards: Celebrating Excellence, Advancing Media Freedom and Combating Hate Speech in the Digital Age,” recognised the media’s contribution to Ghana’s democratic governance, national cohesion and socio-economic development.

It also renewed calls for responsible journalism, media freedom and professionalism in the digital era.

The event also recognised national personalities whose exceptional leadership and service have contributed to Ghana’s democratic governance, public service, security, traditional leadership, entrepreneurship, and socio-economic development.

Thirty-six journalists received awards across categories, including three from the Ghana News Agency.