The Tema branch of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has condemned in no uncertain terms a callous attack on Augustine Ahiabor, a reporter of the Angel Broadcasting Network at Ashaiman.
Ahiabor had gone to cover the collapse of a private toilet facility at Ashaiman Lebanon Zone Two on May 25, 2023.
His presence, however, incurred the wrath of some members of the community who attacked him.
A statement issued by the Association said a man advanced in age and his son led the attack and were subsequently joined by other residents.
They forced Ahiabor to delete the video shots he had taken, and in the process, physically assaulted him and damaged his smartphone.
Augustine Ahiabor subsequently reported the attack on him at the Ashaiman District Police Command whose officers have assured him and the Tema Regional Branch of the GJA of a thorough investigation to bring all the culprits to book.
Meanwhile, Augustine Ahiabor has received medical attention and is responding to treatment.
The Tema GJA advised the general public to appreciate that journalists work in their interest and so they (public) must accord them the respect they deserve in their line of duty.
“A Journalist reporting on the collapse of a toilet facility is only helping to bring the accident and problem to the authorities concerned for solution.”
“That journalistic endeavour only seeks to bring comfort to the people and that requires applause, and is never a crime that warrant assault.”
“Even where community members feel aggrieved by the work of journalists, they must use lawful means to seek redress instead of taking the law into their own hands,” the statement said.
The Association stressed that journalism is not a crime and reiterated its condemnation of the attack on Augustine Ahiabor.
The safety of journalists, it said, should be the concern of all.
And assured the Tema Regional Branch of the GJA will keenly follow developments on the case to ensure justice is duly served.