The Ghana Journalist Association (GJA) has reiterated its commitment to at all times protect rights and freedom of the media.
In statement to mark the World Press Freedom Day on May 3, 2025 GJA President, Albert Dwumfour bemoaned recent attacks on journalists while urging the authorities to take action against the perpetrators.
Ghana dropped from 50th to 52nd position in the latest Reporters Without Borders’ World Press Freedom Index released in 2025.
Out of 180 countries ranked annually, Ghana dropped from the 50th position with a score of 67.13% in 2024, to 52nd position with a score of 67.71% in 2025.
The GJA assured that it will intensify its efforts at promoting press freedom given the recent World Press Freedom Index rankings.
However, the Association was quick to add that while it is committed to protecting freedom of the media, irresponsible practices by some media organisations will not be accepted.
“We shall continue to protect and promote press freedom even more than we have done before…However, ladies and gentlemen, I wish to quickly add that the GJA will never condone irresponsibility. We should all appreciate the fact that freedoms and rights are not absolute, and that they go with responsibility. So, inasmuch as we shall not countenance attacks on press freedom, we shall also not condone irresponsible practices in the media,” GJA stated.
GJA says per its record this year, there have been eleven (11) cases of assault against journalists, all of which occurred in February 2025.
According to the GJA, the drop in ranking on the World Press Freedom Index does not speak well of the country. He reiterated calls for the Inspector General of Police to tack action and make the murderers of Investigative Journalist, Ahmed Suale face justice.
“This is the reason why we have been calling on the police to take attacks on journalists seriously especially bringing perpetrators of attacks on the media to face justice to serve as deterrent to others and to end impunity. We have not been sleeping on the attacks against our members, the reason why we have been demanding justice for our murdered colleague, Ahmed Suale,” he added.
