The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has given the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) a two-week ultimatum to provide a comprehensive report on investigations into alleged attacks on two journalists during separate demolition exercises in Accra.
President of the GJA, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, said the Association was particularly concerned about the reported attacks on Philip Abutiate of Bullet TV during the demolition exercise at Laboma Beach and Kweku Dennis Sika of Sika Official at La Pressure Beach, allegedly involving personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces.
He condemned the incidents in the strongest possible terms, insisting that journalists must be allowed to work freely and safely while carrying out their constitutional responsibility of informing the public.
Speaking at the launch of the 30th GJA Media Awards in Accra, Mr Dwumfour said the GJA expected the Ghana Armed Forces to provide a clear account of the investigations, including specific disciplinary or other actions taken against personnel found responsible.
He further called on the Minister for the Interior, the National Security Coordinator and the Chief of Defence Staff to ensure that the deadline was met and the outcome of the investigations communicated publicly.
“Failure by the Ghana Armed Forces to provide a satisfactory report within the two-week period will leave the GJA with no option but to escalate the matter through all appropriate legal, institutional and public accountability channels,” he stated.
Mr Dwumfour stressed that the Association would not allow the incidents to be swept under the carpet, saying it would pursue the matter until accountability was secured for any personnel found to have unlawfully assaulted journalists.
“The safety of journalists is not a favour. It is a fundamental requirement for the protection of press freedom and the survival of democracy,” he said.
The GJA President was speaking at the official launch of the 30th GJA Media Awards, which is being held under the theme, “30th GJA Media Awards: Celebrating Excellence, Advancing Media Freedom and Combating Hate Speech in the Digital Age.”
He described the 30th edition as a significant milestone in the history of the Association, noting that the awards had, over the years, recognised journalists whose work had informed public debate, exposed wrongdoing, held power to account, amplified the voices of vulnerable people and contributed to national development.
According to him, the awards were not merely about trophies but about recognising journalism that upheld professional standards, served the public interest and made a meaningful impact on society.
He said the changing media landscape, driven by social media, digital platforms and artificial intelligence, had made credible journalism more important than ever.
“While the tools may have changed, the fundamental responsibility of the journalist remains the same. We must seek the truth. We must verify information. We must be fair. We must provide context. Above all, we must protect the credibility of our profession,” he stated.
Mr Dwumfour disclosed that the Association had received 327 entries from 206 journalists for this year’s awards, describing the response as one of the highest recorded in recent years.
He said the entries comprised 125 from online media, 111 from television, 46 from print and 45 from radio.
He said the strong response demonstrated the continued commitment of Ghanaian journalists to professional excellence and reinforced the relevance of the GJA Media Awards as a platform for recognising outstanding journalism.
The GJA President also announced two new categories introduced for this year’s awards—the New Media Platform Awards and the Governor’s Economic and Financial Story of the Year Award.
He stated that the New Media Platform Awards were designed to promote professionalism, ethical conduct and excellence among bloggers and new-media practitioners.
The Governor’s Economic and Financial Story of the Year Award, he said, had already attracted significant interest, receiving more than 10 entries despite being a new category.
Mr Dwumfour expressed appreciation to the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Johnson Asiama, for supporting the category and encouraged other corporate institutions to sponsor awards recognising excellence in specialised areas of journalism.
He announced that the GJA Awards Committee would undertake an independent review of all submitted works before submitting its report and recommendations to the National Executive for consideration and approval.
The committee is chaired by Kobby Asmah, Commissioner of the National Media Commission and former Editor of the Daily Graphic.
Other members include A.C. Ohene, Richard Mensah, Ellen Avorgbedor, Christian Akorli, Nana Kwasi Appiah, Georgina Naa-Maku Quaittoo, Kingsley Nsiah-Poku and Awudu Mahama.
Mr Dwumfour urged the committee members to conduct their work with fairness, independence, transparency and professionalism to safeguard the credibility and integrity of the awards.
The 30th GJA Media Awards ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, November 7, 2026, in Accra.
President John Dramani Mahama, who is also a member of the GJA, will be the Special Guest of Honour, while the Patron of the GJA, His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, is expected to attend the ceremony.
The Ga Mantse, His Royal Majesty King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, will also serve as Guest of Honour.
Mr Dwumfour called on journalists to use the milestone edition to renew their commitment to accuracy, independence, ethical conduct and responsible journalism.
He also urged stakeholders and the public to continue supporting credible journalism, stressing that the future of the profession depended on journalists’ ability to uphold truth, integrity and accountability.
He expressed appreciation to the sponsors and partners, particularly KGL Group, Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City and the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, for supporting the 30th GJA Media Awards.
By: Daniel Orlando/newsalertgh.com
