Attacks on journalists are rising in Ghana, raising concerns about media freedom ahead of the 2024 general elections.
According to the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), there were 45 documented cases of attacks from 2019 to 2023. The year 2023 marked the highest number of cases, with assaults ranging from physical attacks to cyber threats. The decline in Ghana’s press freedom rankings adds to the growing concerns.
Journalists like Akosua Otchere and Edward Adeti have faced physical assaults and threats, signaling a worrisome trend. With the 2024 elections approaching, fears are growing that independent reporting may be stifled, compromising the democratic process.
Despite denunciations from political parties and the government, actions to investigate and curb attacks have been minimal. The creation of the Coordinated Mechanism on the Safety of Journalists office in 2021 aimed to address the issue, but observers argue it lacks effectiveness.
Kofi Yeboah, the general secretary of the GJA, warns that without urgent intervention, the trend may worsen in the coming year. Attacks erode public trust in state institutions, and journalists are leaving the field for public relations, undermining the media’s critical watchdog role.
The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) expresses concerns about the future of Ghana’s media. The repressive environment is affecting the ability of journalists to cover elections effectively. The pressure on even prominent journalists like Anas Aremeyaw raises doubts about the future of media freedom in Ghana.
While the government claims commitment to a safe environment for journalists, the actions on the ground tell a different story. Edward Adeti remains in hiding, emphasizing the challenges faced by journalists risking their safety for the truth. As Ghana heads towards the 2024 elections, addressing these issues becomes imperative to safeguard democracy and press freedom in the nation.
