The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has welcomed moves to resolve the long-running assault case involving JoyNews journalist, Mr Latif Idrissu, describing the development as a constructive step towards accountability and closure after nearly eight years.
The Association said the decision by the Inspector-General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, and the Attorney-General, Dominic Ayine, to pursue an out-of-court settlement marked significant progress in the case. The matter stems from a 2018 incident in which Mr Idrissu was assaulted while covering a police operation at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) headquarters.
Addressing a press conference, GJA President, Albert Dwumfour, noted that the incident had sparked widespread condemnation and renewed concerns about the safety of journalists in Ghana.
He disclosed that a team was being constituted to determine appropriate compensation and urged authorities to expedite the process to reinforce public confidence in justice.
However, the Association expressed concern over what it described as a growing pattern of police invitations and interrogations involving journalists.
Mr Dwumfour cited recent cases in February in which senior editors were invited by the Police CID over alleged false publications, despite related matters already being before the courts.
According to the GJA, such actions risk creating fear within the media landscape. It further alleged that, in one instance, a journalist was questioned without clear evidence and had a mobile phone seized under unclear circumstances.
The Association criticised attempts to compel journalists to disclose their sources, describing such actions as violations of press freedom.
The GJA renewed calls for the repeal of provisions within the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775), and the Criminal and Other Offences Act, arguing that these laws are frequently used to intimidate media practitioners.
On broader national matters, the Association raised concerns over ongoing recruitment into the security services, where more than 500,000 applicants are competing for approximately 5,000 positions.
While acknowledging government efforts to address youth unemployment, it criticised the requirement for applicants to pay for recruitment forms and called for a transparent and depoliticised process.
The GJA President also welcomed a directive by President John Dramani Mahama to expand recruitment, describing the move as responsive to public concern.
Reaffirming its commitment to press freedom and professionalism, the Association urged journalists to uphold integrity and contribute meaningfully to national development during the Heritage Month observance.
BY RAYMOND APPIAH-AMPONSAH
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