Investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni is concerned about the safety of journalists in Ghana and the lack of political will to enforce laws that protect them from abuse.
According to him, all around the world, journalists are subjected to criticism, however, the difference is that political leaders try to ensure that journalists are protected from abuse.
“Journalists would always come under attack everywhere in the world. What we should be asking for or demanding is that those threats those attacks should never go unpunished.
"Once you allow these things to go unpunished then you are unencouraging those who attack or threaten journalists,” he said whilst contributing to JoyNews' Defend Media Freedom on August 29.
Read also: Assault on journalists: When wrong isn’t punished, that’s where you get impunity – Anyenini
Mr Awuni stressed that the focus should be on ensuring that those who perpetrate such attacks face justice.
His comments come at a critical time when concerns about press freedom in Ghana are escalating.
Despite being recognised as one of the more stable democracies in Africa, Ghana has witnessed a series of alarming incidents where journalists have been threatened, harassed, and even attacked, often with little to no legal repercussions for the perpetrators.
Mr Awuni’s remarks draw attention to a gap in the enforcement of existing laws designed to protect journalists.
While Ghana's constitution guarantees freedom of the press, the reality on the ground often contradicts this ideal. There are numerous instances where journalists, especially those investigating corruption or other sensitive issues, have faced intimidation, both subtle and overt, without sufficient action being taken by the authorities.
The investigative journalist's plea is not just a call for the protection of media personnel but a broader appeal for the defence of democracy itself.
In his view, when attacks on journalists go unpunished, it signals a breakdown in the rule of law and emboldens those who seek to undermine free expression and accountability.
Latest Stories
-
Address smuggling of canned and PET packaged beverages into Ghana – GRA told
21 seconds -
Roma sack Daniele De Rossi after four games of season
1 min -
SA star sees success under Maxwell Konadu’s guidance
5 mins -
Tomatoes in Season: A Nutritional, Economic, and Food Security Asset in Ghana
13 mins -
BoG directs banks to submit strategies aimed at reducing financial fraud
23 mins -
Prostate Health and Nutrition: How Local Foods Can Help
1 hour -
500,000 Herbalists unlicensed – Regulatory Council begins clampdown
2 hours -
Scotland agrees to host Commonwealth Games in 2026
2 hours -
Full Text: NDC’s petition to EC after demo over voter’s register
2 hours -
Dear Osagyefo God, can I talk to you about my country?
2 hours -
Eddie Nketiah scores first Palace goal in win over QPR
2 hours -
Managing Gestational Diabetes: Key Insights for Expecting Mothers
2 hours -
Fair Wages and Salaries Commission responds to NCCE division’s planned strike action
3 hours -
German government commends Ghana for increased budget expenditure on education
3 hours -
Victims still struggling a year after Akosombo Dam spillage
3 hours