The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) to publicly state the status of investigations into the recent assault on a journalist, warning that failure to do so will result in legal action.
Addressing a press briefing at the Ghana International Press Centre in Accra, GJA President, Mr Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, said, “We are giving the leadership of the Ghana National Fire Service fourteen days to officially communicate the status of investigations into this shameful assault. If they fail to do so, we will not hesitate to proceed to court.”
Mr Dwumfour welcomed President John Dramani Mahama’s confirmation that officers involved in the incident have been interdicted, describing it as “a step in the right direction”, but stressed that interdiction alone was not enough.
“What is worrying is the deafening silence from the leadership of the Fire Service despite public outrage,” he said. “Ghanaians deserve to know what steps are being taken, and journalists deserve justice.”
The GJA President called for the immediate release of findings from the GNFS internal investigations and urged the reassignment or dismissal of the Service’s Public Relations Officer, whom he accused of mishandling public communication.
“The way this matter has been communicated or rather not communicated has been very poor, and heads must roll,”Mr Dwumfour stated.
He also appealed to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to ensure the matter is handled with the full rigour of the law.
“We expect the police to deal decisively with this case. It is only when the law is allowed to take its full course that such attacks will stop,” he added.
Attack on Peace FM Reporter
Mr Dwumfour further condemned the assault on Peace FM’s Eastern Regional Correspondent at Kukurantumi, who was allegedly attacked by a police officer while covering an operation involving Fulani herdsmen.
“This journalist was working within the confines of the law, yet he was assaulted by a police officer,” he said. “A formal complaint has been lodged, but we are yet to see meaningful progress.”
He demanded an immediate investigation and appropriate sanctions against the officer involved.
Media General Correspondent Assaulted
The GJA also condemned the reported assault on Media General’s Upper East Regional Correspondent, Mr Kanwuley, allegedly by military personnel.
“We call on the military high command to investigate this matter thoroughly and ensure that the officers responsible are brought to book,” Mr Dwumfour said.
Legal Action Looms
Reiterating the Association’s position, Mr Dwumfour disclosed that the GJA’s legal team has begun preparations for court action should the Fire Service fail to respond within the stipulated period.
“The days of impunity are over,” he stressed. “Journalists will no longer be assaulted without consequences.”
BY: Nana Achiaa Aboagye
