The President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Dwumfuor, has raised serious concerns about the Ghana Police Service’s plan to station liaison officers at media houses during the December 7 elections. He questioned the true intent of the initiative, which was announced during a meeting between the Police Administration and selected media editors.
According to Mr. Dwumfuor, while the stated goal of the initiative is to enhance the safety and security of journalists during the election period, it also raises significant issues that can not be ignored.
Speaking at a press conference on November 28, he remarked, “One of the key issues is the promise made by the Police Administration to provide police media liaison officers at media houses for protection. While we appreciate the intent to ensure the safety of media practitioners, there are pertinent concerns. Is this a strategy to interfere with the work of the media? Is it a ploy to leak information from media houses? And which media houses have been selected for this arrangement? These unanswered questions cast dark clouds over the initiative, and we need clarity to dispel any doubts.”
Mr. Dwumfuor also criticized the exclusion of the GJA leadership from the meeting where the initiative was unveiled. He noted that the GJA, along with other media umbrella organizations, represents the interests of journalists and media houses across the country and should have been part of the discussions.
“It is troubling that the GJA was not invited to this meeting,” he stated. “This omission appears to be deliberate rather than accidental. It seems like an attempt to sideline our role as a watchdog for the media industry and to avoid scrutiny of the initiative.”
The GJA President emphasized that the association remains committed to safeguarding press freedom and protecting the interests of media practitioners, particularly during critical moments such as national elections. He urged the Police Administration to provide detailed answers to the questions raised and engage directly with the leadership of the media industry to foster transparency and trust.
The Police initiative, aimed at enhancing collaboration between law enforcement and the media during the elections, has sparked mixed reactions, with many journalists and media experts expressing skepticism about its potential implications for press freedom and operational independence. As the December 7 elections approach, the GJA has called for broader consultations to ensure that measures to protect journalists do not inadvertently undermine their autonomy.
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson
