Journalists Under Threat in Ghana: Why the Alarms Are Sounding

In recent months, incidents targeting journalists in Ghana have sparked serious concern among media practitioners, press freedom advocates, and civil society groups. Although Ghana has long been seen as a leading democracy in West Africa with a vibrant media environment, repeated attacks and threats against journalists challenge that reputation and raise urgent questions about safety and press freedom.

Recent Physical Assaults Highlight Dangers on the Job

On January 5, 2026, a journalist from Class Media Group, Samuel Addo, was allegedly physically assaulted by personnel of the Ghana National Fire Service while covering a fire outbreak at Kasoa New Market in the Central Region. Video footage circulating on social media showed Addo being manhandled as he tried to film the scene prompting widespread condemnation from media groups and rights bodies.

The West Africa Editors Society (WAES) condemned the attack, calling it “deeply troubling” and urging security agencies to stop targeting journalists doing their constitutional duties. WAES warned that such incidents undermine Ghana’s democratic credentials and stifle transparency.

The government, too, including the Minister of State for Government Communication, Felix Ofosu Kwakye, publicly condemned the assault as “unacceptable” and assured that those responsible would face firm action.

Police have since launched an investigation into the violence, and the Ghana National Fire Service has pledged cooperation in establishing the facts.

A Pattern of Attacks Over Time
This is not an isolated episode. According to the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), 13 journalists were attacked between January and October 2025 alone, with most incidents occurring early in the year. These ranged from assaults in mining zones to altercations at election events and political gatherings.

In mid-2025, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) reported that at least five journalists had been attacked in separate incidents involving military officers and suspected illegal miners. In those cases, journalists were beaten, had their equipment damaged, and were prevented from reporting critical information.

Committee to Protect Journalists
Environmental reporters those covering illegal mining and land misuse have also faced threats and attacks, sometimes even when accompanied by police escorts. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) condemned instances where journalists were physically assaulted or prevented from filming illegal activities.

Earlier too, journalists covering demolition events and electoral processes were reported to have been assaulted by security personnel prompting calls by the CPJ for Ghanaian authorities to conclude investigations and ensure accountability.

Historical Context: Threats Beyond Physical Violence

The threats facing journalists in Ghana extend past physical attacks. In 2019, investigative journalist Ahmed Hussein-Suale Divela was murdered near his home in Accra after receiving threats tied to his work a case that remains emblematic of the dangers investigative journalists can face. The lack of accountability for his killing is regularly cited by press freedom advocates as part of a broader pattern of impunity.

Media observers have also documented patterns of intimidation, harassment, and resistance to information requests that make critical reporting risky or difficult. Some journalists have faced arrest, detention, or pressure from state agencies and political operatives.

Responses from the Media and Authorities

In response to the uptick in attacks:
The GJA at various points has threatened measures such as media blackouts on coverage of police activities unless safety concerns are addressed.

Government officials have publicly reaffirmed commitments to protect journalists and uphold press freedom as enshrined in the constitution.

Rights bodies and editor societies continue to call for better protection, training for security services, and accountability for perpetrators to prevent future attacks.

Why This Matters: Democracy and Public Information

Journalists play a crucial role in informing the public, exposing wrongdoing, and holding power to account. When reporters are attacked, threatened, or prevented from doing their jobs, the entire democratic ecosystem suffers. Press freedom is not just about protecting journalists it’s about ensuring transparency, accountability, and an informed citizenry.

The recent events in Ghana from physical assaults by security personnel to attacks by illegal miners show that while freedom of the press exists on paper, practical threats still place journalists in harm’s way. Continued vigilance, stronger protections, meaningful investigations, and accountability are essential steps to making Ghana truly safe for its media practitioners.

Mustapha Bature Sallama
Medical Science communicator.
Private Investigator and Criminal
Investigation and Intelligence Analysis,
International Conflict Management and Peace Building. Alumni Gandhi Global Academy United States Institute of Peace.

mustysallama@gmail.com
+233-555-275-880

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