SPEECH DELIVERED BY ALBERT KWABENA DWUMFOUR, PRESIDENT OF THE GHANA JOURNALISTS ASSOCIATION, AT A NEWS CONFERENCE HELD AT THE GHANA INTERNATIONAL PRESS CENTRE, ON APRIL 23, 2025, TO ADDRESS MATTERS ARISING ON THE MEDIA FRONT
Members of the National Executive of the GJA,
Colleague media practitioners,
Distinguished invited guests,
Ladies and gentlemen.
Good afternoon to you all.
We just celebrated Easter, which marks the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. May I, on behalf of the National Executive of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), wish you all a belated Happy Easter. We pray that the death of Jesus will practically reflect in the death of all forms of attacks against media freedom and freedom of expression, and may the resurrection of Christ also mark a renewal of our collective faith in, and commitment to, the rule of law, particularly, the promotion and protection of media freedom. On that goodwill note, I hereby welcome you all to the Gifty Afenyi Dadzie Conference Hall of the Ghana International Press Centre. Thank you for honouring our invitation.
Colleagues, this is the fourth in the series of monthly press engagements we started in January this year, to discuss pertinent media-related and national issues that need prompt attention and redress. Today, we have invited you here to share with you and the entire nation some pertinent issues agitating our minds on the media front and at the national level.
Update on Ahmed Suale
Colleagues, we are still following the Ahmed Suale Case with keen interest. Although one suspect has been arrested and is currently facing trial, many issues surrounding the case are still not clear to us. So far, our efforts to get clarity on those issues from the Police have not been successful. We call on the Police to update the public on the case through periodic briefings, given the huge public interest in this case, both at the national and international levels. We wish to emphasise that our position to seek external intervention in this case has not changed. We will only shift from our position when we are totally convinced that justice is at hand. In that regard, we wish to repeat our resolve to proceed to the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) Community Court of Justice to seek resolution of this matter. We are also prepared to take similar action in respect of the Latif Iddrisu Case. As we indicated in our earlier briefings, our international partners, including the Federation of African Journalists (FAJ) and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), are also ready to pursue justice for Ahmed Suale at other international forums.
Update on other cases of attack against journalists
Colleagues, you may recall that in our last media engagement, we addressed the attack on three journalists in the Western Region, which occurred on 21st February, 2025. They were brutally assaulted by illegal small scale miners (‘galamsey’ operators) operating in the Breman Adomanya Forest. They are Theophilus Akwasi Agyei Annim of Citi FM / Channel One TV, Henry Emil Fynn of Angel TV and Jacob Adu-Baah of ABC News / Rok FM. They were covering the extensive destruction of the forest as a result of ‘galamsey’ activities when the thugs pounced on and brutalised them. In the process, the attackers caused severe bodily harm to the journalists and also damage to their equipment. The attack on the three journalists was very barbaric and we call for speedy and satisfactory justice in their favour. It is unfortunate, and, indeed, regrettable that in spite of the crucial role journalists and media practitioners are playing in the fight against ‘galamsey’, our welfare does not seem to be a priority to the authorities. We have been monitoring the interventions the government has put in place to deal with the problem of ‘galamsey’ under the auspices of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources. We regret to note that the media is missing in these interventions. In the near future, we shall be asking the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources questions about our reservations.
Arrest and intimidation of journalists
Colleagues, barely a month ago, operatives from the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) detained Journalist Gordon Asare-Bediako for alleging that the Special Prosecutor had requested the Akufo-Addo government to buy a private jet for his official use. We are reliably informed that the OSP subsequently charged Asare-Bediako with publication of false information and communication. He was later granted bail in the sum of Ghc5 million and has since been reporting periodically to the OSP.
Colleagues, we have instructed our legal team to take immediate steps to initiate a judicial review of the unlawful actions undertaken by the OSP, which constitute harassment of our member and clearly exceed the powers granted to the Special Prosecutor under the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act, 2017 (Act 959). We firmly hold the view that such an overreach of authority by the OSP is not only unacceptable but also illegal. Accordingly, we will seek a declaration from a court of competent jurisdiction to nullify these actions. Additionally, we have directed our lawyers to file an application for an injunction to restrain the OSP from engaging in any further acts of harassment or undue interference with Asare-Bediako. We remain committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice is served within the boundaries of legal authority. The Special Prosecutor must focus on his mandate as Special Prosecutor and not deviate from it to become ‘Special Persecutor’
NPP-Media General impasse
Colleagues, there has been an impasse between the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and Media General over the past months. The NPP had alleged bias and unprofessional practices against the party by programme hosts of Media General. Based on such concerns, the NPP, in January 2025, officially withdrew from participation in all programmes on Media General platforms. In our democratic dispensation, this is development is not strange. But it becomes a major issue of concern when such disagreements lead to violence and threat to life.
Our attention has been drawn to an incident that occurred at a press conference organised by the NPP on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, and subsequent developments that smack the face of media freedom and even constitute threat to life. The NPP press conference was attended by the General Secretary, Justin Frimpong Kodua and the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin. While the General Secretary was inviting the Minority Leader to deliver a speech, the NPP 3rd National Vice Chairman, Alhaji Osman Masawudu, was captured on camera pushing the TV3 microphone set on the ‘High Table’ to the floor. That action was greeted with murmurings of disapproval from the General Secretary, Minority Leader and other party officials who immediately called for the TV3 microphone to be reinstated on the ‘High Table’. That gesture by the General Secretary and the Minority Leader to restore order and allow TV3 to cover the event, although Alhaji Masawudu was not remorseful, is very commendable. We commend the NPP General Secretary and the Minority Leader for showing high sense of tolerance and maturity in the face chaos.
Colleagues, a day after this incident, Alhaji Masawudu, in an interview with Kumasi-based Ash FM, said categorically that he deliberately pushed the TV3 microphone down. He even went further to issue threats against reporters of TV3 who may go near programmes of NPP. This is what he said:
“This is a warning to Media General; this is a warning to TV3. They should stay away from New Patriotic Party…. The next time they joke with our programme, bo na ye be bo wo mo (we will beat them)”
We find the actions and comments of Alhaji Masawudu very reckless, reprehensive and regrettable. His actions and comments are not only a threat to human life; they are also a threat to the lives of the rule of law and our democracy. We condemn them in no uncertain terms and called on the NPP 3rd National Vice Chairman to withdraw his reckless comments and apologise for same. We also call on well-meaning Ghanaians, civil society organisations, diplomatic missions and the international community to demand same from Alhaji Masawudu. If the NPP 3rd National Vice Chairman fails to withdraw those reckless comments and threats, we shall hold him responsible for any attack on TV3 reporter or reporters at the party’s programmes. And we want the whole world to likewise hold him responsible. We are informed the Management of Media General have reported the threat to the Police and we hereby call on the Police to act decisively on this case. The Police must not wait for the worse to happen before acting.
Colleagues, earlier, we commended the NPP General Secretary and the Minority Leader for showing disapproval to the action of the 3rd National Vice Chairman in pushing the TV3 microphone down. But that is not loud and categorical enough to absolve the NPP of blame, given the fact that the press conference was held by the party, and the reckless conduct and comments constituting violent attack on media freedom and threat to life, came from no mean a person than the 3rd National Vice Chairman of the party. We, therefore, urge the NPP as a political party to dissociate or distance itself from the actions and comments of Alhaji Masawudu by asking him to withdraw same and apologise.
Colleagues, there is one pertinent issue we wish to clarify following the actions and comments of Alhaji Masawudu. That relates to the work of the media generally and invitation to cover events. In his reckless comments (which the NPP has not yet dissociated itself from), Alhaji Masawudu warned Media General and TV3 to stay away from the NPP and its programmes, otherwise, “bo na ye be bo mo (we will beat them)”. We wish to make it clear that the public interest is the interest of the media, and that the media does not need any invitation to attend to the call of public interest. So whenever and wherever the public interest calls, the media have a constitutional invitation and obligation to respond to the call. Thus, unless the matter or issue is private in nature, the media, in serving the public interest and right to know, have a duty to perform. So Alhaji Masawudu should not prevent the media from, or threaten to attack the media for, discharging their duty. And the NPP must not condone, or acquiesce to, his threats.
We wish to urge the leadership of the NPP and Media General to find an amicable solution to their impasse given the fact that the NPP needs Media General much the same way as Media General needs the NPP. In every relationship, misunderstandings may arise, but whenever they do, we must summon tolerance, magnanimity and courage to resolve them amicably. The GJA has engaged the leadership of both the NPP and Media General on their conflict. We are happy to learn that long before the attacks and threats by Alhaji Masawudu, talks were far advanced towards reconciliation. The GJA is ready to support any cause for the resolution of feud and restoration of friendship.
Colleagues, although we must jealously protect our rights and media freedom at all times, it is also important for us to always appreciate and uphold media responsibility. That is why we urge the Management of Media General to ensure that their charges conform to Management’s commitment to peace, otherwise, their peace talks may not yield the desired results. So Management must ensure that while those at the administration helm are busy lighting the fire of peace and unity, those at the production realm are not busy stoking the fire of conflict and division. It is important for the media to hold duty bearers to account. But it is also imperative for the media to promote peace, not conflict; unity, not division, and tolerance, not tension.
National Media Commission
Colleagues, whenever we talk about media rights, freedoms and responsibility, the regulator always comes to mind. How do we all expect the National Media Commission (NMC), as the regulator, to sanitise the media space? Unfortunately, as we speak, there is no NMC in place for the past five months. The tenure of the last Commission expired in November 2024 but since then, a new Commission has not been inaugurated into office. Our checks indicate that some constituents are yet, or were late, to submit their nominations to the NMC Secretariat, hence, the delay. This is a clear sign of how we relegate matters of the media to the back burner in national affairs. In the circumstance, we call on constituents that have not submitted their nominations to the NMC Secretariat to do so without delay in order to pave the way for the inauguration of the new Commission so they can start work. In the interim, we urge the NMC Secretariat to go ahead with the inauguration of nominations received so far to enable them start work while waiting for the others to join later. Whatever the case may be, the absence of the NMC in the circumstances is a dangerous and undesirable situation for the media and the nation at large.
Update on World Press Freedom Day 2025
Colleagues, as we informed you in our last media engagement, we intend to commemorate World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) in a unique fashion this year. Remember, last year, we brought innovation to the occasion by organising the annual ceremony in Koforidua, the Eastern Regional capital. It was the first time in recent memory that the national commemoration of WPFD was held in the regions. This year, we will give the occasion another touch of innovation by honouring distinguished individuals and institutions that have championed and supported the cause of media freedom and the GJA. We are preparing earnestly for the ceremony scheduled for 2nd May, 2025.
Update on 4th Africa Media Convention
Colleagues, preparations are also underway earnestly for the organization of the 4th Africa Media Convention (AMC) slated for Marrakech, Morocco, from 27 to 30 May, 2025. Following the highly successful organization of the 3rd AMC in Accra last year, Ghana, represented by the GJA, is playing a key role in the organization of the Marrakech Convention. We will keep you updated on further details of the Convention in subsequent engagements.
Issues of National Concern
Colleagues, in line with our commitment to use our periodic news conferences to address some national issues we deem critical, today, we wish to address two major issues: ‘galamsey’ and the renewed Bawku conflict.
Let’s first talk about ‘galamsey’. There is no institution, I daresay, that has stayed the fights against ‘galamsey’ more than the media. The GJA has instituted an award category on the subject matter for many years now to encourage our rank and file to keep the cameras, microphones and pens on the massive destruction of our land, water bodies and lives by ‘galamsey’. We shall never stop this fight until ‘galamsey’ is knocked out. We wish to commend all our comrades in the fields working hard for Mother Ghana even at the peril of their lives.
Colleagues, we have observed some positive steps by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources towards dealing with the ‘galamsey’ problem. We wish to commend the Minister, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, for his show of commitment to the fight against ‘galamsey’. We, however, think there are more to do to ensure greater success, such as the repeal of the law that allows for mining in forest reserves and the declaration of state of emergency in targeted areas to ensure a frontal attack on ‘galamsey’. We also demand from the Minister and the government, the protection of journalists and facilitation of their work in mining fields to enable them discharge their duties without hindrance, fear and threat to their lives. We urge the Minister to collaborate with the GJA to fashion out ways in which the media can play a greater and more impactful roles in the fight against ‘galamsey’.
Comrades, on the renewed Bawku conflict, the GJA is disheartened at the turn of events. We want to add our voice to the many calls for peace to prevail in the area. We call on all sides to the conflict, and, indeed, all Ghanaians to promote peace in Bawku. We must also support the efforts of the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II towards resolving the conflict. Finally, we wish to advise media practitioners to be extremely circumspect in their reportage and comments in order not to undermine the peace process. Media houses must not give their platforms to people who may want to foment trouble in the area. We should all help to promote peace in Bawku because whatever affects Bawku, affects Ghana. We must keep alive the old national slogan: “One Nation, One People, One Destiny.”
Long live press freedom in Ghana!
Long live GJA!!
Long live Ghana!!!
Thank you for your kind attention.
