The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has unveiled a series of measures that will be enforced if the Ghana Armed Forces do not take action against military personnel who assaulted JoyNews journalist Carlos Carlony during a recent operation in Accra. Apexnewsgh reports
During a press conference held on Thursday, July 31, GJA President Albert Kwabena Dwumfour did not mince words as he addressed the military high command, emphasizing the urgency for justice in this matter. “The military should understand that failure on their part to expose and sanction the said perpetrators of this crime will have damning consequences, and we will embarrass them,” Dwumfour declared firmly.
He clarified that the GJA is not merely issuing a warning; they are prepared to take action. “We have done our work and are prepared. If you fail to do so, we shall come out boldly and expose your men,” he asserted. The assault on Calony, which occurred while he was covering a demolition exercise, was framed by Dwumfour as a blatant attack on press freedom and a violation of journalistic rights, particularly after the journalist had clearly identified himself to the military officers involved.
In response to this alarming incident, the GJA outlined several robust measures it will pursue should the military fail to take appropriate action:
- Civil Lawsuits Against Offenders: The GJA plans to file civil suits against the officers involved in the assault. They are committed to ensuring that state protection does not shield individual misconduct, asserting that perpetrators will be personally held accountable.
- Collaboration with Human Rights Bodies: The Association aims to partner with both local and international human rights organizations to meticulously document assaults on journalists and pursue comprehensive justice.
- Diplomatic Sanctions: The GJA will formally petition key embassies, including those of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, France, and the European Union Delegation in Ghana, to revoke or deny visas to security officers identified as having assaulted journalists, branding them as threats to press freedom and national security.
- International Blacklisting: The Association plans to send letters to the United Nations, UNESCO, the African Union, and ECOWAS, advocating for sanctions against violators of press freedom. The GJA will argue that these individuals should be barred from participation in international peacekeeping missions and assignments.
- Internal Sanctions Within Security Agencies: The GJA will petition the Ghana Armed Forces and the Police Council to ensure that any officer found guilty of attacking journalists faces disqualification from promotion and other internal disciplinary measures.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Armed Forces has announced the initiation of investigations into the alleged misconduct by its personnel. As the situation develops, the GJA’s determined stance reflects a critical juncture for press freedom in Ghana, emphasizing the need for protection and accountability for journalists in the face of aggression.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
