The Ashanti Regional branch of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has strongly condemned the attack of journalists during Tuesday’s Council of State election in the region.
A group of thugs purported to be supporters of one of the 12 candidates in the poll barged into the Regional Coordinating Council venue and disrupted the election process on Tuesday.
The thugs destroyed ballot papers and other voting electoral materials, ending the voting exercise abruptly.
Four journalists were physically assaulted in the raid and eventually hospitalized.
In a statement, the GJA-Ashanti described the attack as “vicious” and “unprovoked” thwarting reporters on ground from performing their duties on the day.
“Some ‘macho men’ believed to be linked to the ruling party, National Democratic Congress, caused a stir when they stormed the place and disrupted the exercise. They destroyed all the ballots just when the officials of the Electoral Commission were sorting the ballots,” read the statement signed by Kingsley E. Hope, Regional Chairman.
A complaint has formally been lodged at the police while the journalists receive treatment at various hospitals including Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH).
“This heinous act of violence is a reprehensible affront to press freedom and a stark reminder of the perilous environment in which journalists operate. The fact that this attack occurred in broad daylight, with impunity, is a damning indictment of the authorities’ failure to protect journalists,” the statement read.
The GJA is demanding that the perpetrators be brought to book as the violent attacks and intimidation on journalists have become recurrent.
“This trend must be halted, and those responsible must be held accountable. Attacks on journalists not only harm individuals but also erode trust in institutions and undermine the public’s right to information. We stand in solidarity with the victims and all journalists who face threats, intimidation, and violence in the pursuit of truth,” the statement read.
The statement added: “GJA will not be silenced, and we will continue to demand justice and accountability, and call on authorities to investigate this incident thoroughly and ensure that those responsible are held accountable”.
Governments and leaders worldwide have been urged to prioritize journalists’ safety and also protect the rights of media professionals to report freely and without fear of reprisal.