The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has urged President John Dramani Mahama to exercise his executive authority to introduce legislation that would provide enhanced protection for journalists while performing their duties.
This appeal was made by GJA President, Albert Kwabena Dwumfuor, during a courtesy visit to the President at Jubilee House, accompanied by a delegation of the Association’s leadership.
Mr. Dwumfuor expressed concern over the increasing frequency of assaults on media personnel, noting that the situation has negatively impacted Ghana’s international standing in press freedom rankings.
“Your excellency, attacks have worsened Ghana’s ranking on the World Press Freedom. We used to be No.1 and dropped to 3, a position we maintained for years till we started declining. This year we are 52 out of 180 countries, dropping from 50th position last year. Ghana is now occupying the 8th position in Africa. We used to be among the top three. A very sad and unfortunate development. And we call on you, as someone who understands the plight of journalists better, and as part of the fraternity to find a cure or antidote to end this attacks on journalists in order to improve on our ranking,” he said.
He emphasized that the current legal framework is insufficient, as many incidents of violence against journalists are classified as minor offenses, which fail to discourage future violations.
“Your Excellency with assaults on journalists respectfully, we entreat you to invoke your executive powers to enact a law to empower the security agencies to protect journalists, since most of these attacks are premeditated and must be treated as aggravated offence. If we continue to treat all assaults or attacks on journalists as misdemeanor, it will not deter or serve as deterrent to others. Is the reason we call on your good self to invoke your office, executive powers, I think Executive Instrument (E.I) will help in defining attacks on journalists rather than treating it as misdemeanor,” he added.
Mr. Dwumfuor concluded by stating that such a legal measure would not only shield journalists from harm but also contribute to restoring Ghana’s status as a continental leader in press freedom.
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