Albert Dwumfour reports over 50 attacks on journalists since 2022

Albert Dwumfour, President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), has declared that journalists are not enemies of the state, revealing that media practitioners have faced more than 50 incidents of attacks and harassment over the past four years. Speaking at the 30th GJA Media Awards held in Accra, Dwumfour emphasized the critical need for the state and the public to respect press freedom as a cornerstone of Ghana’s democracy. He noted that while the country has seen fluctuations in international press freedom rankings, the true measure of media liberty lies in the ability of journalists to perform their duties without fear of intimidation or physical harm.

The GJA President detailed a troubling trend of violence against the press, recording over 50 specific cases between 2022 and January 2026. Dwumfour argued that the safety of journalists is inextricably linked to the health of the nation's democratic institutions. He called for more rigorous action from security agencies and the judiciary to address these incidents, stressing that the prevailing environment of insecurity often forces media houses into self-censorship. Despite these challenges, he affirmed the association's commitment to protecting its members and ensuring that the media continues to hold power to account.

In a significant development for the industry’s future, Dwumfour shared an assurance from the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, regarding the legislative protection of journalists. The Speaker has reportedly expressed Parliament's readiness to collaborate with the GJA on a private member’s bill aimed at enhancing the working conditions and welfare of media practitioners. This proposed legislation is intended to establish a structured framework for fair pay, job security, and professional integrity, addressing the economic vulnerabilities that often compromise media independence.

The GJA aims to engage multiple stakeholders in the drafting process to ensure the bill creates a sustainable environment for high-quality journalism. By tackling issues of safety and economic insecurity simultaneously, the association seeks to safeguard the professional independence of the press. As the media landscape evolves, Dwumfour concluded that such legislative interventions are essential to prevent the erosion of democratic values and to ensure that journalists can continue their work as a vital pillar of Ghanaian society.