The Central Regional Branch of the Ghana Journalists Association has strongly condemned the alleged assault on a producer of Obaatanpa Radio and the reported temporary shutdown of the Kasoa based station, describing the incident as a direct affront to press freedom and the democratic principles enshrined in Ghana’s constitutional order.
The incident is reported to have taken place on Thursday June 25 during a live discussion on internal political tensions within the National Democratic Congress in the Awutu Senya East Constituency. The programme reportedly examined a long standing dispute between the office of the Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya East, Phillis Naa Koryoo Okunor, and constituency executives of the National Democratic Congress, a disagreement said to have persisted since 2020 and intensified in recent months.
According to reports, tensions escalated when the Municipal Chief Executive for Awutu Senya East, Seth Sabah Serwonoo-Banini, alongside other individuals, allegedly moved to the premises of the station, where the producer, Mr. Bernard Mireku, was reportedly assaulted and the radio station temporarily locked up.
In a statement issued on Sunday June 28, the Ghana Journalists Association Central Region stated that the alleged actions, if confirmed, represent a serious violation of media freedom, editorial independence, and Ghana’s democratic values. The Association further alleged the involvement of the NDC Central Regional Chairman, Richard Asiedu, alongside other individuals connected to the incident.
The Ghana Journalists Association emphasized that no political party, public official, or private individual has the authority to intimidate journalists or interfere with the lawful operations of media houses due to dissatisfaction with editorial content or public commentary.
It reiterated that media freedom and editorial independence are constitutionally protected under Article 162 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, stressing that journalists must be allowed to perform their duties without fear, harassment, or interference.
The Association further described any form of violence against journalists or disruption of media operations as unlawful conduct that has no place in a democratic society and undermines the public’s right to information.
It called on the Ghana Police Service to undertake a swift, impartial, and thorough investigation into the matter and ensure that all individuals found culpable are prosecuted, regardless of political affiliation or official position.
The GJA also urged the leadership of the National Democratic Congress to publicly condemn the incident, offer an apology to the affected journalist and media house, and take internal disciplinary measures against any party members implicated in the alleged assault and shutdown.
The Association advised that grievances relating to media content should be addressed through lawful mechanisms such as the right of reply, complaints to the National Media Commission, petitions to the GJA, or legal action through the courts, rather than resorting to intimidation or violence.
While reaffirming its commitment to defending journalists against unlawful attacks, the GJA also reminded media practitioners of the need to uphold professional standards, including accuracy, fairness, balance, and adherence to ethical journalism in the discharge of their duties.
The Association concluded that an attack on one journalist constitutes an attack on the entire media fraternity and the constitutional right of the public to access information, calling on all political actors to respect press freedom and resolve disputes through lawful democratic processes.
