The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has expressed concern that press freedom, public order, and national security are seriously at risk due to what it claims are increasing threats against journalists reporting the protracted Bawku dispute.
Speaking at a press conference, GJA President Albert Dwumfuor stated that the Association is “gravely alarmed” by threats of death, incitement to violence, and impending attacks against journalists in the Upper East Region, especially Albert Sore, the GJA’s Upper East Regional Chairman, because of their professional work on the conflict.
“These threats are reckless, criminal and deeply dangerous—not only to the lives of journalists but also to public order and national security,” Mr Dwumfuor said.
He claims that journalists covering the Bawku crisis have been publicly branded as enemies, targeted by concerted online harassment, and intimidated via voice messages, social media posts, and other digital platforms.
He cautioned that if immediate action is not taken, the developing climate of fear and intimidation might quickly turn into mob violence.
The GJA President revealed that the Association has received a comprehensive incident report from Mr. Sore, detailing how anonymous and faceless actors purposefully misrepresented a standard journalistic encounter in order to incite animosity and make explicit threats of death against him and other media professionals.
Mr. Dwumfuor pointed to what he called a troubling and persistent pattern intended to silence the media, pointing out that similar threats have previously been made against other journalists reporting the Bawku issue.
The GJA acknowledged some early interaction with the Upper East Regional Police Command, but stated that the ongoing threats indicate that current security measures are insufficient.
As a result, the Association is demanding immediate investigations, ongoing police security for impacted journalists, and the identification, detention, and punishment of any persons and networks engaged in threatening or inciting violence.
“Any harm to a journalist in the course of duty, particularly where prior threats have been reported, would represent a grave failure of protection and accountability,” the GJA President cautioned.
He further revealed that the National Executive of the Association has formally petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), seeking urgent intervention over the threats against journalists in the region.
NKONKONSA.com
