During the 30th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Media Awards held in Accra, Albert Dwumfour, the Association’s president, disclosed that the GJA has documented more than 50 incidents involving attacks, assaults, arrests, threats and harassment of journalists between 2022 and January 2026. Five of the recorded attacks occurred in January 2026 alone, with three alleged to involve state security personnel.
Dwumfour cautioned that journalists are not enemies of the state, adding that the Association could not overlook the threats confronting media practitioners while celebrating progress in Ghana’s press freedom ranking. “While celebrating progress, we cannot ignore the attacks and threats confronting journalists,” he said.
He stressed that journalist safety remains a key concern requiring sustained attention from the government, security agencies and other stakeholders. The GJA has consistently called for measures to protect journalists and ensure accountability for those responsible for attacks against them.
Beyond safety, Dwumfour highlighted other persistent challenges facing media practitioners, including economic insecurity, media independence and professional development. “Our responsibility is to consolidate the gains and address persistent challenges including journalist safety,” he said.
The latest figures add to concerns about the conditions under which journalists carry out their work, particularly when reporting on matters involving public officials and state institutions. The Association’s report underscores the need for continued vigilance and protective measures to safeguard the press in Ghana.
