President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, has called for greater transparency, media safety, and professionalism as Ghana approaches the December 7 general elections.
Speaking at a press conference organized by the Media Coalition at the Ghana International Press Centre, Dwumfour raised concerns about the media’s role in ensuring free and fair elections.
Dwumfour criticized the Electoral Commission (EC) for its recent decision to restrict media access to constituency, regional and national collation centres.
He stressed that limiting media presence could undermine transparency and accountability.
He stated, “Restricting access to the media will hurt, rather than help, the quest for credible reportage of the elections.”
“The EC must provide and improve mechanisms to facilitate the work of journalists at all levels of voting and collation.”
The GJA and the Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA) are in talks with the EC to resolve the issue. Dwumfour expressed optimism that the EC, which has pledged to be a “listening body,” will address the concerns.
The GJA President also condemned the invasion of Metro TV’s premises by armed policemen attempting to enforce a court order. The incident disrupted the live broadcast of Good Morning Ghana and left a private security officer injured.
“Why must gun-wielding policemen storm a media house where workers only wield microphones? Such actions threaten the safety of journalists and undermine public confidence in law enforcement,” he stressed.
Albert Dwumfour addressed the recent attack on Salt FM by alleged supporters of National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate Chief Kofi Asamoah.
He condemned both the attackers and the radio host whose unprofessional comments triggered the incident.
He charged the NDC to sanction Chief Kofi Asamoah for this dastardly attack and also beseeched the station’s management to discipline the host for his wild and baseless allegations that triggered the attack.
Dwumfour acknowledged the reckless comments made by Oheneba Asiedu, a presenter on Wontumi FM, but criticized the police’s use of Section 208 of the Criminal Offences Act to arrest him.
According to him, while the Association condemn the presenter’s conduct, the police must not weaponize Section 208 to criminalize free speech.
“This targeted enforcement against media practitioners is a grave attack on press freedom,” he stated.
The press conference also raised concerns about the Ghana Police Service’s plan to deploy liaison officers to media houses. While the initiative is intended to ensure journalists’ safety, the GJA President questioned its implications.
“Is this a strategy to interfere with the work of the media or leak information? We need transparency and clarity to ensure this initiative does not compromise the independence of media houses,” he cautioned.
Mr. Dwumfour appealed for unity among media practitioners and urged them to adhere to high professional standards during the elections.
“We admonish all journalists to avoid unsubstantiated and inflammatory comments that could spark tension or violence. Together, we can ensure credible election coverage for the good of Mother Ghana,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Media Coalition plans to engage relevant stakeholders to address the concerns raised, including repealing laws perceived as threats to press freedom.