The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has warned that the rising incidents of attacks, threats and intimidation against journalists threaten the foundations of Ghana’s constitutional democracy and must be addressed with urgency.
Speaking at a Constitution Day press conference on January 7, 2026, at the Ghana International Press Centre in Accra, GJA President Albert Kwabena Dwumfour said growing hostility toward journalists undermines the 1992 Constitution and weakens accountability in public life.
He described Constitution Day as a moment for sober national reflection, especially for the media, whose work is protected by constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression, media independence and the public’s right to information.
Mr Dwumfour noted that although the Association began 2026 hopeful of an attack-free year, recent incidents involving state institutions and political actors signal a troubling start. He said journalists continue to face intimidation from both uniformed services and elected officials, a situation the GJA considers unacceptable in a democratic society.
According to him, media freedom is not a favour extended by those in authority but a constitutional right that must be respected by all arms of government, security agencies and political actors.
The GJA President commended the Ghana Police Service, led by Inspector-General of Police Christian Tetteh Yohonu, for ongoing efforts to improve police–civilian relations and reduce attacks on journalists, stressing that public trust in law enforcement remains critical to democratic stability.
He also referenced the recent visit by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, to the Police High Command as a sign of growing public confidence in the Service, and urged the police administration to sustain professionalism, transparency and accountability.
Beyond condemning attacks, the GJA cautioned political parties, particularly as internal elections approach, to rein in their supporters and ensure journalists are not targeted during periods of heightened political tension. He warned that political rivalry must never be used as a pretext to harass or silence the media.
The Association further reminded journalists of their own responsibilities, calling for accurate, ethical and development-focused reporting that promotes national unity and public trust.
Mr Dwumfour reaffirmed the GJA’s commitment to upholding professional standards, advancing journalist welfare and organising key programmes such as World Press Freedom Day, the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists and the 30th GJA Media Awards.
He ended with a strong caution that Ghana must not wait for another journalist to lose their life before taking decisive action, insisting that intimidation, abuse and violence will not silence the media.
“Long live journalism in Ghana. Long live the 1992 Constitution,” he said.
Story by Doe Benjamin Kofi Lawson