The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has issued a strong ultimatum to the Ghana Police Service, giving it seven days to take concrete action against growing assaults on journalists—or face a total media blackout on all police-related coverage.
The bold move comes in response to what the GJA describes as a disturbing escalation in attacks on media personnel by security forces, including both police and military officers.
The most recent incidents include the attempted arrest of JoyNews reporter Carlos Carlony and the physical assault of an eyewitness by a soldier during a controversial demolition operation at a warehouse linked to prominent businessman Daniel McKorley, popularly known as McDan.
Earlier in July, another journalist, Kwabena Agyekum Banahene of GHOne, was slapped and injured by a police officer while covering the Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun.
Speaking at a press briefing, GJA President Albert Kwabena Dwumfour said the Association can no longer tolerate the increasing hostility towards journalists.
“If the Ghana Police Service fails to act decisively within the next 7 days, the GJA, in consultation with key stakeholders, will announce a nationwide media blackout on all police activities. Instruct our members to withhold coverage of police events and editorial engagements with the police,” he declared.
He emphasized that this directive is not a mere threat but a decisive step to protect the safety and dignity of journalists across the country.
If enforced, the blackout would affect police press conferences, public relations events, and news coverage involving the service nationwide.
The GJA says it is already in consultation with key media stakeholders to implement the plan, should the deadline pass without action.
