The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has condemned the recent violent assault on JoyNews journalist, Latif Iddrisu, calling it a “barbaric” act that highlights the growing threats journalists face in the country.
At a press briefing held at the Ghana International Press Centre (GIPC) on Tuesday, GJA President Albert Dwumfour described the May 27 attack on Iddrisu as an affront to press freedom and a direct assault on Ghana’s democratic values.
The incident occurred during a demonstration outside the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) by supporters of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) and members of the Minority Caucus in Parliament.
The protesters had gathered in solidarity with the detained Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NPP, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
While covering the event live, Iddrisu was assaulted by a group of demonstrators.
He later told the GJA that he was struck in the head and ribs, spat on, and threatened with further violence.
“They hit me with stones… They also threatened that they know where I live and that they will deal with me,” he recounted.
Dwumfour emphasized that the attack had worsened the journalist’s existing health condition from a previous assault and had caused renewed trauma.
“This is so barbaric, to say the least,” he lamented.
The GJA commended the swift response by the Ghana Police Service, particularly the Inspector General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohonu, for the prompt arrest of a suspect in connection with the attack.
However, the association is calling for a thorough investigation to ensure all perpetrators are brought to justice.
The Association also used the platform to remind authorities of other unresolved attacks on journalists, including the high-profile case of the murdered investigative journalist, Ahmed Suale. Dwumfour warned that impunity emboldens future violence and urged the police to bring closure to all pending cases involving attacks on media personnel.
Beyond journalist safety, the GJA also commended ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
Dwumfour applauded the current administration’s aggressive reclamation of forest reserves and the seizure of over 300 excavators, describing the measures as “commendable” and critical to protecting Ghana’s environment.
He cited recent successes by security forces in reclaiming eight out of nine “no-go zone” forest reserves previously dominated by armed illegal miners. “These were places where even journalists dared not go,” he said, noting the risks journalists take to expose illegal mining operations.
The GJA praised reporters like Erastus Asare Donkor of Multimedia and Kwasi Agyei Anim of Citi FM for their fearless coverage of the galamsey menace, and acknowledged the work of the Media Coalition Against Galamsey, led by Dr. Ken Ashigbey, who now serves as the CEO of the Chamber of Mines.
The GJA urged government agencies, particularly the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, to provide regular updates on the fight against illegal mining to inform and engage the public.
Dwumfour emphasized the need for continued collaboration among journalists, civil society, and state institutions in the national interest.
“Together, we can win the fight against illegal mining. Together, we can protect our journalists and uphold our democracy,” he stated.
The Association reaffirmed its commitment to press freedom, environmental protection, and the safety of all Ghanaian journalists.
