The President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Dwumfour, has raised concerns and condemned attacks on some journalists during the 2024 general election.
Mr Dwumfour particularly condemned the military’s involvement in the electoral process, despite assurances that they would not be deployed.
The GJA President was speaking at a press conference on Saturday, December 7.
He emphasised that it is the responsibility of journalists to carry out their constitutional duties and pledged commitment to address excesses.
“Some incidents involving the military have occurred. We have seen visuals of military personnel in uniform at polling stations, the very locations where they were barred from going,” he said.
Mr Dwumfour also condemned the shooting incidents at Nyankpala in the Northern Region, and Ahafo Ano constituency in the Ashanti Region.
He expressed concern about the potential dangers faced by journalists in such volatile environments, recalling incidents in the 2020 elections.
“When such things happen, there’s a high tendency that journalists may be affected. In 2020, there was an incident at Ablekuma Central where one of our own, Pius Asiedu, a student journalist, was severely injured while performing his role to inform and educate the public. Pius Asiedu has already undergone three surgeries and has not yet recovered,” he explained.
Mr Dwumfour reiterated the GJA’s concern for the safety of its members during the election period, urging the security forces to remain vigilant and ensure the protection of journalists during and after the elections.