A Communication lecturer at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology(KNUST), Dr Daniel Nkrumah has said that independent bodies must be set up to probe assault and brutality on journalists in their line of work.
Dr Nkrumah has emphasised the role of journalists in ensuring the sustenance and full enjoyment of the country’s democratic status.
However, the impunity with which state security personnel attack and assault journalists over the years according to him has become worrying.
Speaking at the Adom Brands national dialogue on media freedom in Kumasi on Friday, he made a clarion call to the government to prioritise the safety of journalists in Ghana to ensure they work in a conducive environment.
He bemoaned that, investigation into reported cases of assault by security agencies have over the years yielded no result, hence it was time for a more decisive approach.
“Over the years, internal probe and disciplinary action by the police or military has not yielded results but until a journalist sues the Ghana Police Service or any security agency for assault and brutality, we may not get there.
“The wheels of justice grinds slowly but once it happens, it will serve as a deterrence; we must carry our destinies into our own hands while an independent body is brought in to probe such attacks,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Dr. Nkrumah advised journalists to be circumspect in their reportage and not put themselves in situations that will trigger attacks on them.
“The ethical awareness of journalists is critical and they must not delight in self-glorification. They must not induce people and must be guided in playing the devil’s advocate,” he admonished.
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