The Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG) has strongly condemned the recent attack on Akosua Otchere, a journalist with Citi FM/TV in Accra, during the vetting process of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Parliamentary Aspirants for the Odododiodoo constituency.
According to PRINPAG, this disturbing incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by journalists in the line of duty and raises serious concerns about press freedom and safety.
“Akosua Otchere, a journalist with Citi FM/TV in Accra, was viciously attacked by individuals reportedly affiliated with the NDC. This reprehensible act of violence not only undermines the fundamental principles of press freedom, but it also raises serious concerns about the safety and security of journalists who are committed to providing unbiased and objective news coverage,” PRINPAG said in its statement dated October 15, 2023.
This incident comes in the wake of a similar attack where political affiliates of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) disrupted a live program at United Television (UTV) in Accra, wielding sticks, stones, and machetes, causing fear and chaos. The previous attack received widespread condemnation from various stakeholders.
PRINPAG in the statement also noted the crucial role journalists play in ensuring citizens are well-informed and empowered to make educated decisions.
“The attack on Akosua Otchere last Friday is a clear violation of her rights to carry out her duties without fear of reprisal. The Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG), lends its support to all others who have condemned this act in the strongest terms, and urge the NDC to live up to its words by identifying those criminal elements to bring them to justice.”
“It cannot be over-emphasized that, journalists play a critical role in our society and democratic governance, ensuring that, citizens are informed and empowered to make well-informed decisions. It is paramount, therefore, that their safety is guaranteed and protected. PRINPAG calls on all political parties and all media stakeholders in the country to prioritize the safety of journalists and to create an environment that fosters freedom of the press.”
PRINPAG also cautioned political parties in Ghana against engaging in violence, particularly directed at the media.
“PRINPAG would like to use this opportunity to advise all politicians to caution their supporters and members to avoid violence, especially against the media, because no democracy can be effective without the active participation and involvement of the media.”
“We also encourage the authorities to swiftly investigate this incident and to hold the perpetrators accountable, to send a strong message to all that, such acts of violence against journalists will no more be tolerated.”
