The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has issued a stern ultimatum to the General Secretary of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), Dr. David Tenkorang-Twum, demanding an unqualified public apology within five days for what it described as “reckless and dangerous threats” against journalists in Ghana.
Addressing a press conference at the Ghana International Press Centre in Accra on Friday, August 29, 2025, the GJA President, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, expressed outrage over comments Dr. Tenkorang-Twum made in a June 2025 interview on Neat FM. In the interview, he allegedly stated that journalists had been “marked” and would be “shown” whenever they visited public hospitals.
The GJA described the remarks as a veiled threat to the safety of media practitioners.
“This is not a mere slip of tongue; it is a blatant threat of violence against journalists in Ghana. Such comments are utterly irresponsible, deeply disturbing, and unbefitting of a leader of a professional health association.”
The GJA further warned that it would hold Dr. Tenkorang-Twum personally accountable should any journalist suffer harm in public health facilities. It also urged the leadership of the GRNMA to publicly distance itself from the comments, stressing that silence would amount to complicity.
The Association emphasised that nothing short of a full retraction and unqualified apology from Dr. Tenkorang-Twum would be accepted. It also demanded a clear pledge from him never to repeat such threats in the future.
Failure to comply, the Association warned, would leave it with no choice but to petition the National Media Commission (NMC), the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), as well as international press freedom watchdogs.
The GJA also called on the government, the Ministry of Health, and security agencies to provide firm assurances that journalists will be protected in the discharge of their duties, particularly in public spaces where they face the greatest risks.
Reiterating the centrality of journalism to Ghana’s democratic growth, the GJA said any attempt to intimidate journalists could not be tolerated.
“The safety of journalists is non-negotiable. Any attack on a journalist is an attack on democracy itself. Journalism is not a crime, and journalists must be treated as partners in democracy, not as targets of attacks and threats.”
The GJA further called on civil society organisations, advocacy groups, and the public to stand in solidarity with the media fraternity, stressing that the protection of journalists is critical to safeguarding the country’s democracy.
While condemning Dr. Tenkorang-Twum’s comments, the GJA also cautioned sections of the media against unethical practices. It noted that some bloggers and outlets had irresponsibly linked the June 2025 interview to the recent Ridge Hospital incident, describing the move as misleading, unethical, and damaging to the credibility of the profession.
On the upcoming Akwatia by-election scheduled for September 2, 2025, the Association raised concerns over heavy military presence in the constituency, warning against voter intimidation. It insisted that the Ghana Police Service must take the lead in election security, in line with the law. It also urged journalists covering the polls to uphold the highest ethical standards while prioritising their safety.
The Association further reminded the Ghana Armed Forces of their unfulfilled promise to release preliminary findings into the assault of JoyNews reporter Carlos Calony and his cameraman by a soldier along Spintex Road. It insisted that transparency and accountability were necessary to restore public confidence.
By: Daniel Orlando/newsalertgh.com
