The President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, has called for greater respect for press freedom, insisting that journalists are partners in national development and not enemies of the state.
Speaking at the 30th GJA Media Awards at the Palms Convention Centre, La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra, on Saturday, November 7, 2026, Mr Dwumfour condemned persistent attacks, threats and harassment against media practitioners, warning that any attack on journalists undermines press freedom and democratic accountability.
He disclosed that the Association had recorded more than 50 incidents involving attacks, arrests, threats and harassment of journalists between 2022 and January 2026. Five incidents were recorded in January 2026 alone, three of which allegedly involved state security personnel.
Mr Dwumfour cited incidents involving journalists covering the Council of State elections, illegal mining activities in the Western Region, security operations in Bawku and Walewale, and demolitions at Accra beaches. He stressed that promises to investigate attacks on journalists must translate into justice and accountability.
He cautioned against complacency despite Ghana’s improved position in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index, where the country ranked 39th out of 180 countries and fourth in Africa. He said press freedom should be measured by the ability of journalists to investigate corruption, question public officials and hold powerful institutions accountable without intimidation.
On journalists’ welfare, the GJA President described improved working conditions as essential to media independence, professional integrity and democratic development.
He announced that following an engagement with the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, the Speaker had assured the Association of Parliament’s readiness to support a private member’s bill to establish a legal framework for journalists’ remuneration, job security and working conditions.
Mr Dwumfour also disclosed that Ghana would host the Federation of African Journalists Conference in the first quarter of 2027.
He further criticised the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, over comments allegedly suggesting that the GJA President had appealed to President John Dramani Mahama following the Minister’s remarks about shutting down some radio stations.
Mr Dwumfour maintained that the Association’s engagement with the President was neither personal nor partisan but formed part of its responsibility to protect journalists. He commended President Mahama for what he described as a timely intervention, saying the President responded and granted clemency within two hours.
Meanwhile, Asempa FM’s Philip Osei Bonsu, popularly known as O.B., host of Ekosiisen, was named the 2026 GJA/P.A.V. Ansah Journalist of the Year.
The 30th GJA Media Awards was held under the theme: “Celebrating Excellence, Advancing Media Freedom and Combating Hate Speech in the Digital Age.”
Story by Ama Frimpomaa
