Election 2024: ‘Don’t dare’ — GJA President issues strong warning against attack on Journalists

The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has issued a stern warning to individuals, institutions, and other stakeholders against the abuse of journalists before, during, or after the 2024 election period.

Expressing concern over the rising instances of journalist abuse, often with impunity from those who should be safeguarding media freedom, GJA President Albert Dwumfour declared, “The media will use all available tools to hold accountable anyone who attacks or abuses a journalist during this election period.”

He condemned the increasing mistreatment of journalists and the growing culture of silence being used to intimidate the press. Dwumfour called for unified efforts from all sectors to address this troubling trend, which he warned could undermine Ghana’s democratic progress.

His remarks came during the opening of a capacity-building program for journalists, held on November 13-14, 2024, at the Spanish Embassy in Accra. The program, a collaboration between the GJA and Casa Africa, under the auspices of the Spanish Embassy, brought together journalists from across Ghana.

The initiative aims to enhance journalists’ knowledge of disinformation and fact-checking, crucial during the election process.

Dwumfour also emphasized the importance of maintaining the highest professional standards in journalism ahead of the elections to ensure accurate and responsible reporting.

The event was supported by Casa Africa, a public diplomacy institution dedicated to strengthening ties between Africa and Spain through educational, cultural, economic, and informational activities.

Jose Segura Clavel, Director General of Casa Africa, highlighted the critical role of fact-checking in combating disinformation, particularly during election periods when false information often spreads most rapidly.