Media Blackout Looms Over Police Inaction on Journalist Attacks – GJA Issues Ultimatum

The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has threatened to impose a nationwide media blackout on the Ghana Police Service if swift and concrete measures are not taken to address a recent spate of assaults on journalists.

The warning follows over 10 reported incidents of violence against media practitioners, including the brutal assault of a GHOne TV journalist during the Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun on July 17, and a separate attack on JoyNews reporter Carlos Calony, his cameraman, and an eyewitness on July 30 during a demolition operation at Spintex, allegedly by armed military personnel.

Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, July 31, GJA President Albert Kwabena Dwumfour condemned the attacks, calling them intolerable and a threat to democratic principles.

He issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Police Service to take decisive action or face a coordinated media boycott.

“If the Ghana Police Service fails to act decisively within the next seven days, the GJA, in consultation with stakeholders, will declare a nationwide media blackout on police-related coverage,” Dwumfour announced. “This includes withholding news coverage and editorial interactions with the Police.”

He emphasized that the move is not a threat but a protective step to safeguard journalists and uphold press freedom.

The GJA is calling for urgent investigations and disciplinary action against the perpetrators, stressing that continued attacks on the media endanger not only journalists but also the foundations of transparency and public accountability in Ghana.