The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has condemned the attacks and maltreatment of journalists who were covering Thursday’s #OccupyJulorbiHouse protest.
The association accused the police of arresting and maltreating journalists who were merely performing their duty of informing the public.
The GJA, in a strongly worded statement stated, “The conduct of the Police in arresting and maltreating the journalists who were non-targets, transporting them like criminals in a pickup truck and leaving them stranded after their release, was highly unprofessional and inhumane.”
Several journalists, including correspondents from reputable international media organizations such as the BBC, AFP, and AP, were arrested during the demonstration, and some were physically mistreated, according to GJA’s investigations.
These journalists, despite properly identifying themselves, were caught up in the police’s actions.
The GJA expressed concern about the inconsistency in the response from the Police.
While the Police initially denied the arrest of two BBC correspondents in a press release, they later admitted to the arrest and release of these journalists. This contradiction has raised questions about the veracity of the Police’s claims.
“The question is: if, on one hand, the Police deny the arrest of two BBC correspondents and, on the other hand, the Police confirm the arrest and release of two journalists, is it not prudent, in the face of contention, to disclose the identities of the two journalists arrested and freed to put the Police denial beyond doubt,” the statement said.
The GJA is demanding an unqualified apology from the Police to the journalists who were wrongfully arrested and/or maltreated.
The association expressed sympathy with the affected journalists and urged the media fraternity to remain steadfast in their pursuit of truth and media freedom.
It called upon the Ghana Police Service to exercise utmost good faith in addressing the matter, recognizing the vital role journalists play in society and the importance of upholding press freedom.