Journalism is not a crime. Yet, in recent years, this vital cog in the wheel of democracy – the journalism community in Ghana – seems to perpetually operate under threats, intimidation, and violent attacks.
Heard of the saying ‘the pen is mightier than the sword’? In Ghana, the pen, or the voice of the independent media, has been facing a growing onslaught of both swords and legal shackles. Journalists in this robust African democracy are increasingly finding themselves at the receiving end of physical attacks and legal battles, a disturbing trend that has sent shockwaves across the global media fraternity. Such ongoing attacks undermine not only the profession but also our nation’s democratic tenets.
With a reputation as one of Africa’s bastions of press freedom, Ghana’s recent ranking in the 2022 World Press Freedom Index may come as a shock to many. Unfortunately, there seems to be a disturbing upward trend of physical attacks and legal battles against Ghanaian journalists – a development that is not only alarming but also warrants a detailed investigation. A critical look at the 2022 World Press Freedom Index shows that Ghana has stumbled significantly in its rankings, from 30th to 60th out of 180 countries over a single year.
What happened?
The past five years have been fraught with legal and economic hazards for Ghana’s media houses, while journalists have faced threats and even physical harm. The number of reported cases of physical attacks on journalists has seen a significant increase in recent years. From being manhandled at public events to being assaulted in their line of work, the threat to personal safety for journalists is becoming an alarming norm.
“Ghana has seen a worrying increase in physical attacks against journalists and legal threats to media outlets. This has created a climate of fear that is detrimental to the media’s essential role in democracy”, the Reporters Without Borders, a watchdog for press freedom, has stated in a statement issued.
Unmasking the Culprits
With a palpable sense of unease among the media fraternity in Ghana, it’s crucial to delve into the question: “Who is behind the physical attacks on Ghanaian journalists?” The answer, unfortunately, is not straightforward.
First and foremost, the state and its security forces are often implicated in physical attacks on journalists. This often occurs when journalists are covering sensitive issues or events that the government would rather keep under wraps. Some Ghanaian politicians, intolerant of criticism, have taken to orchestrating attacks on journalists. This suppression of media freedom has a chilling effect on journalism, leading to self-censorship.
“The state is frequently implicated in these attacks. We often see this when journalists are covering political events, protests, or corruption issues,” says Kwame Karikari, a professor and former director of the Media Foundation for West Africa.
In some instances, non-State actors, such as political parties and their fervent supporters, are also culprits. This is particularly prevalent during electoral periods when tensions run high and journalists are on the front line, reporting impartially. In a related development, corporate entities and influential individuals who feel their interests threatened by journalistic investigations do also take part in these physical attacks.
“The attacks on journalists are not just about silencing the media. They are a direct assault on the fundamental democratic principle of freedom of expression,” says Affail Monney, the former President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA).
A Snapshot of the Situation
The impact of these threats is not just theoretical. There have been notable incidents of physical attacks and legal battles against journalists, captured below:
On 12 August, 2020, according to media reports, Sanley Nii Blewu and Joseph Amstrong, two TV3 reporters, were threatened at the Tema Station in Accra where they were on duty to file a television report on sanitation. Security personnel comprising some soldiers, police and members of the AMA taskforce forced the journalists to delete the images they took. One of the two journalists alleged that one of the soldiers used his boots to hit the chest of his fellow journalist, smashed his camera, took his phone, and took him to the custody.
On 7 July, 2021, Emmanuel Pacome was attacked by students of the high school based at Kukurantumi in the Eastern Region of Ghana while covering their attacks on officials of the West African Examination Council (WAEC). The officials, who were supervising the ongoing WASSCE examination in their school, were allegedly accused of being too stringent. After the police were called to intervene, some students directed their anger at the journalist they had spotted filming their disorderly behaviour. Pacome, who was injured and had his equipment seized, reported the case to the police.
On 6 July, 2022, according to the Savannah Regional wing of the National Democratic Congress Abraham Ananpansah, a journalist with PAD FM in Damango was attacked by a representative of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Savanah Region.
On 20 June 2022, police harassed and arrested a journalist briefly for taking pictures at NPP primaries. The journalist, Rebecca Asheley Armarh, was reporting in Tema Manhean for the Kingdom FM.
On 5 April 2022, Yusuf Abdul-Ganiyu, Managing Director of Zuria FM and Deutsche Welle correspondent was attacked and beaten by a member of the security forces while he was in Kumasi, north-western Ghana, to cover the effectiveness of the Coronavirus lockdown.
In 2019, Hajia Fati a supporter of the ruling party, the NPP assaulted a female journalist with Ghanaian Times, when the reporter was discharging her duties. Two years ago, a TV reporter, Godfred Tanam was assaulted by thugs of the ruling party while on official duty. In 2018, two journalists with the multimedia group, Latif Iddris and Kwesi Parker were assaulted by police officers at separate events while discharging their duties.
Both Ghana’s laws and international human rights standards require the state to prevent, prohibit and investigate crimes against journalists. But in practice, this doesn’t happen. For example, the perpetrators who murdered Ahmed Hussein-Suale are yet to be brought to justice. The police initially arrested six persons on suspicion of involvement in the killing, but later released all of them due to lack of evidence. Since then, no one has been held accountable for the killing of Ahmed Suale.
“Press freedom is the cornerstone of any vibrant democracy. When journalists are silenced, we all suffer. The rise in attacks on Ghanaian journalists is deeply troubling and represents a significant setback for press freedom in the country,” says Christophe Deloire, Secretary-General of Reporters Without Borders.
Over the years, the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has been advocating an end to impunity for crimes against journalists. Condemning the attacks and inaction of the authorities, the GJA President, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, echoed fears over potential deterioration of security of journalists as the 2024 Presidential and parliamentary elections approach.
“All eyes are on Ghana to either maintain her democratic credentials or scale them up. The media have an indispensable role in the elections while the state fulfils its responsibility to protect journalists. The two institutions must not let the nation down,” he stated.
Silencing the Press Through the Courts
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has expressed concerns over the misuse of the law. Arnaud Froger, head of RSF’s Africa desk, had this to say: “Using the legal system to intimidate journalists and thereby promote self-censorship is a grave violation of press freedom. We call on the Ghanaian authorities to stop using this method, which is unworthy of the country’s democratic status.”
The Media Foundation for West Africa disclosed that there was a 70 per cent increase in legal suits against Ghanaian journalists in 2021, compared to 2020. International advocacy groups are not the sole voices expressing worry. Countries friendly to Ghana have also voiced their concerns. The US Embassy in Ghana released a statement in 2022, expressing its worries about the increase in physical attacks and legal battles facing Ghanaian journalists.
“We are concerned about the noted increase in violence against journalists in Ghana. A free press is a vital component of any democracy, and we encourage the government to take necessary steps to ensure journalists can work without fear of reprisal,” the statement read.
A Snapshot of the Situation: Data At a Glance
The table below offers a snapshot of the escalating physical attacks and legal battles against Ghanaian journalists in recent years.
| Year | No. of Physical Attacks | No. of Legal Battles | Major Offenders |
| 2019 | 14 | 10 | State security, Political groups |
| 2020 | 30 | 12 | Political groups, Corporate entities |
| 2021 | 45 | 18 | State security, Influential individuals |
| 2022 (Up to March) | 15 | 10 | State security, Influential individuals |
Source: Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).
Source: CPJ
The data above paints a grim picture as we see a steady rise both in physical attacks and legal battles against journalists in Ghana. It is clear from the data that the problem is multi-faceted, involving a range of actors who are driven by their own interests and fears. To address it, we must understand these motivations and find solutions that protect the critical role of journalists in a democratic society.
Safeguarding Press Freedom in Ghana
To ensure the survival and continued growth of independent media in Ghana, concerted efforts must be made to safeguard press freedom. This includes protecting journalists from physical harm and preventing unnecessary legal battles. As the fourth estate of the realm, journalists play a crucial role in democratic societies. It is therefore crucial that journalists are allowed to do their work without fear or intimidation.
The Constitution of Ghana recognizes media freedom and independence, thus creating an obligation for power holders to protect them against any attempt to erode their freedom. In 2016, the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) adopted Resolution 33/2 on the Safety of Journalists, which sets out the steps states have to take to prevent violence against journalists, protect them from such attacks, and prosecute the perpetrators. During the last Universal periodic review (UPR) in March 2018, Ghana committed to adopting a law guaranteeing media freedom.
Article 19, an organisation, which fights for media freedom across the globe said Ghana cannot continue to ignore its laws and international obligations when it comes to the security and protection of the media.
“We urge the government to investigate each of the cases and bring to justice those suspected to be responsible. Security forces and political parties should advise their members on the obligations to protect journalists and media outlets and sanction incurred by those of them who ignore the obligations”, insisted the Regional Director of Article19, Mr. Fatou Jagne Senghore.
He added that Ghana should comply with the African Commission Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa which requires states to “take effective legal and other measures to investigate, prosecute and punish perpetrators of attacks against journalists and other media practitioners, and ensure that victims have access to effective remedies.”
Fatou Jagne Senghore ended by recommending: “Journalism is not a crime. Ghana must do more to guarantee the safety of journalists and other media practitioners and take measures to ensure flow information without risks for journalists. “
