The Executive Secretary of the National Media Commission, George Sarpong, has expressed concern over the recent assault on Joy News’ Erastus Asare Donkor and three colleagues by armed illegal miners in the Ashanti Region.
Mr. Sarpong noted that while there have been numerous “terrible” attacks on media practitioners, the incident involving Erastus is particularly alarming.
“It is important that we recognize the uniqueness of the attack on Erastus and why it cannot be tolerated,” he said. “First of all, the people who attacked him were organized criminals. They carried out the attack at a time when the entire society is mobilized against galamsey.”
He explained that the perpetrators demonstrated a blatant disregard for authority, indicating they are willing to go to any lengths for their interests.
“What they are saying is, ‘We don’t fear you, we don’t fear anyone in Ghana, and we are ready to do our worst in pursuit of our self-interest,’” he said, adding that the attack represents a broader threat. “It is not only journalists who are under attack; the entire society is under attack, with journalists as the initial targets.”
Mr. Sarpong made these comments on Joy News’ AM Show on Monday, November 11, 2024, during a discussion on the country’s efforts to safeguard media freedom.
Erastus reported that his equipment, including SD cards, drones, and other essential devices, was stolen during the attack.
Meanwhile, the police have yet to take swift action on the case, despite the victims reporting the incident immediately after it occurred.
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