GJA condemns alleged assault on Obaatanpa Radio Producer

The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Central Regional Branch, has condemned the alleged assault on an Obaatanpa Radio producer and the reported temporary closure of the Kasoa-based radio station, describing the incident as an attack on press freedom and Ghana’s democratic values.

The incident is said to have occurred on Thursday, June 25, while the station was discussing ongoing internal tensions within the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the constituency.

Recent reports highlighted a long-running dispute between the office of the Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya East, Phillis Naa Koryoo Okunor, and constituency executives of the NDC. The feud, which reportedly dates back to 2020, is said to have become increasingly volatile in recent months.

The Municipal Chief Executive for Awutu Senya East, Seth Sabah Serwonoo-Banini, and the individuals who accompanied him allegedly locked up the radio station and assaulted the producer.

In a statement issued on Sunday, June 28, the Association said the alleged victim, Mr. Bernard Mireku, a producer with Obaatanpa Radio, was reportedly assaulted following commentary on internal matters within the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Awutu Senya East Constituency.

The GJA further alleged that the incident involved the NDC Central Regional Chairman, Richard Asiedu, the Municipal Chief Executive for Awutu Senya East, Seth Banini, and others.

According to the Association, “if established, [the incident] constitutes a serious attack on press freedom, media independence and Ghana’s democratic values.”

It stressed that “no political party, public official or individual has the right to intimidate journalists or interfere with the lawful operations of a media organisation because of disagreement with its editorial content.”

The GJA reaffirmed that media freedom and editorial independence, as guaranteed under Article 162 of the 1992 Constitution, are non-negotiable.

“Journalists must be allowed to perform their constitutional duty without fear, intimidation or interference,” the statement said.

The Association also described violence against journalists and the disruption of media operations as criminal acts that have no place in a democratic society.

It called on the Ghana Police Service “to conduct a swift, impartial and thorough investigation and prosecute anyone found culpable, regardless of political affiliation or position.”

The GJA further urged the leadership of the NDC to publicly condemn the incident, apologise to the victims, Obaatanpa Radio and the media fraternity, and take appropriate disciplinary action against any party officials found responsible.

The Association advised that individuals or institutions dissatisfied with media content should seek redress through lawful means, including exercising the right of reply, petitioning the National Media Commission or the GJA, or pursuing legal action through the courts.

“Resorting to violence, intimidation or shutting down a media outlet is unlawful and unacceptable,” it stated.

While reaffirming its commitment to defending journalists against unlawful attacks, the GJA also reminded media practitioners to uphold the highest standards of professionalism.

“Professionalism remains the hallmark of journalism,” the Association said, adding that journalists are expected to uphold “the highest standards of accuracy, fairness, balance and ethical journalism in the discharge of their duties.”

The GJA expressed solidarity with the management and staff of Obaatanpa Radio, reiterating that “an attack on one journalist is an attack on the entire media fraternity and the public’s constitutional right to information.”

It called on all political actors to exercise tolerance, respect press freedom and resolve grievances through lawful and democratic means.