Journalists’ attackers to face prosecution – Minister

THE government has vowed to prosecute persons who attack journalists in the line of duty, irrespective of their political affiliations, positions or uniforms, as part of efforts to strengthen press freedom and end impunity in Ghana.

It has also urged media organisations to strengthen self-regulation and adopt measures to protect journalists, stressing that accountability for attacks must be matched by professional responsibility.

The Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, gave the assurance at a public forum on “Ending Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists in Ghana: Strengthening Safety, Accountability and Press Freedom,” in Accra yesterday.

The forum, organised by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), also witnessed the launch of a Model Safety of Journalists Policy to guide newsrooms in assessing risks and protecting journalists.

Mr George said protecting journalists was a constitutional obligation, stressing that attacks on media practitioners undermined the public’s right to information.

He stated that Ghana had risen to 39th out of 180 countries in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders, from 52nd in 2025, placing fourth in Africa.

However, he acknowledged reports of assaults, threats and obstruction involving journalists, emphasising that investigations must lead to justice and appropriate sanctions against offenders.

He also proposed a multi-stakeholder review involving the police, security agencies, the National Media Commission, Ghana Journalists Association, MFWA and civil society to monitor attacks and track investigations. Read More

BY STEPHANIE BIRIKORANG

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