In a recent plea to uphold press freedom, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has called upon Ghanaian authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the assaults on five journalists during the recent elections in the southern Ashanti Region. The CPJ emphasized the necessity for immediate action to safeguard journalists who play a vital role in the democratic process, especially during elections.
The incidents occurred at the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council amid the tense climate of vote-counting. Reports indicate that the attack was instigated following the unexpected defeat of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, Yaw Owusu Obimpeh, which led to chaos at the polling station. During the tumult, approximately 14 unidentified men disrupted the proceedings by attacking electoral officials, destroying ballot papers, and physically assaulting journalists who were documenting the event. The journalists’ equipment was confiscated, and footage was forcibly erased. One of the reporters involved, Gideon Nana Peprah, provided a detailed account, mentioning the confusion and the aggressive behavior of the assailants.
The Ghana Police Service has responded by stating on social media that efforts are underway to identify and apprehend the individuals responsible for these attacks. The police are currently reviewing available video evidence to support their investigations and bring the culprits to justice.
Angela Quintal, head of CPJ’s Africa program, stressed the importance of accountability, remarking that the freedom of journalists to cover electoral processes without fear of reprisal is crucial. She called for a clear determination of those behind the assault and the need for their prompt prosecution. Quintal’s remarks underscore the recurrent challenges facing journalists in Ghana, a nation often regarded as a beacon of democracy in the region but grappling with media freedom issues.
The incident raises broader concerns about press freedom in Ghana. More details on this can be found in the complete report by the Committee to Protect Journalists and additional coverage by local news outlets like Citi Newsroom.
For further context, the in-depth article has been published by JURIST.