Albert Kwabena Dwumfour
The President of the Ghana Journalist Association (GJA), Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, has indicated it will be heading to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) court for redress over the murder of Ahmed Suale.
Speaking at a press briefing on February 18, 2025, he expressed frustration that despite contacting the Ghana Police Service on January 22, 2025, about the case, there have been no reassuring developments or updates from the police, adding that the association will seek redress by the end of March 2025.
“Given the fast-eroding trust and confidence in the police in respect of investigation, arrest, and prosecution of suspects in the murder of Ahmed Suale, the GJA may seek redress in international forums. In that regard, we served notice that if by the end of March 2025, the Ghana Police Service does not come out with something concrete on the investigation, arrest, and prosecution of suspects in the murder case, we shall proceed to the Economic Community of West African States court of justice to seek resolution,” he said.
He commended the Inspector General of Police (IGP) George Akuffo Dampare on the assurance he gave in dealing with the issue upon their interaction. He stated that he had taken the assurances of the IGP in good faith but was still holding steadfast to their demands.
According to him, the IGP promised to cooperate fully and work closely with the GJA and regional commanders in regions where journalists have been attacked to make sure justice is served.
He strongly criticized the police for failing to take action against a series of attacks on journalists by small-scale miners.
While recalling previous incidents where journalists were targeted, he made note of a barrage of attacks on six journalists within a space of one month, four of which occurred in the Ashanti Region, while the remaining two occurred in Wale-Wale in the North-East Region.
“While grappling with an attack of Ohene Tawia as the first case of assault against a journalist in 2025, the count became rapid when six journalists were assaulted within a space of one week . Four of the attacks occurred in Kumasi in the Ashanti region and two at Walewale in the North East Region,” he explained.
The association expressed strong displeasure while speaking out against the alarming number of attacks on journalists, with 7 cases recorded in just 50 days describing it as an unprecedented level of violence.
Mr. Dwumfour voiced concern that if the Regional Security Council cannot ensure safety, the country may be descending into chaos and lawlessness since no arrests have been made.
By Vera Owusu Sarpong & Florence Adom Asamoah