Attacks on the media must be seriously dealt with - Sammy Awuku

National Youth Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) hsays attacks on journalists should be properly dealt with and not downplayed.

Samuel Awuku said under no circumstance should journalists be be left with a physical scar in their line of work.

According to him, journalists work at the peril of their lives, to inform the public about things going on that no one would have known about if they were not uncovered.

Speaking Wednesday, on Peace FM's Kokrokoo Morning Show, Mr Awwuku agreed that even though journalists can sometimes be provocative with the kind of questions they ask, it is only in the interest of the country that they are allowed to do their work without interference.

Recent violent attacks on have raised concerns over the 'free press' status hitherto enjoyed by the country.

Latest is the physical assault of Adom FM editor Afia Pokuaa who went to the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) office at Ablekuma to inquire about why a reporter who had gone there to file a report, was detained and his phone seized.

Baffour Gyan, elder brother of Captain of the Black Stars Asamoah Gyan was also arrested after he turned himself in following allegations that he led an assault on a reporter from Daily Graphic, Daniel Kenu.

Mr Kenu wanted confirmation on allegations that Asamoah Gyan had “sacrificed” his friend Castro when they went for holidays in Ada.

Journalists from Multi TV were also arrested on the orders of the Mayor of Accra Alfred Okoe Vanderpuije after they had gone to Mensah Guinea to inquire about the condition under which people in that area live, after their houses were demolished by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly.

They are currently facing the charge of offensive conduct.

But Mr Awuku said institutions such as the Ghana Journalists Association and the National Media Commission which are responsible for regulating activities of the media, could be contacted if any organization or individual feels a journalist has gone out of their way with their job.

He added that instead of leaving physical scars on journalists, contributions should rather be made to improve the profession and encourage those risking their lives for the good of the country.