Investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni is concerned about the safety of journalists in Ghana and the lack of political will to enforce laws that protect them from abuse.
According to him, all around the world, journalists are subjected to criticism, however, the difference is that political leaders try to ensure that journalists are protected from abuse.
“Journalists would always come under attack everywhere in the world. What we should be asking for or demanding is that those threats those attacks should never go unpunished.
“Once you allow these things to go unpunished, then you are unencouraging those who attack or threaten journalists,” he said whilst contributing to JoyNews’ Defend Media Freedom on August 29.
Mr Awuni stressed that the focus should be on ensuring that those who perpetrate such attacks face justice.
His comments come at a critical time when concerns about press freedom in Ghana are escalating.
Despite being recognized as one of the more stable democracies in Africa, Ghana has witnessed a series of alarming incidents where journalists have been threatened, harassed, and even attacked, often with little to no legal repercussions for the perpetrators.
Mr Awuni’s remarks draw attention to a gap in the enforcement of existing laws designed to protect journalists.
While Ghana’s constitution guarantees freedom of the press, the reality on the ground often contradicts this ideal. There are numerous instances where journalists, especially those investigating corruption or other sensitive issues, have faced intimidation, both subtle and overt, without sufficient action being taken by the authorities.
The investigative journalist’s plea is not just a call for the protection of media personnel but a broader appeal for the defence of democracy itself.
In his view, when attacks on journalists go unpunished, it signals a breakdown in the rule of law and emboldens those who seek to undermine free expression and accountability.
Source: myjoyonline