What GJA President Said at Today’s Presser

Good afternoon, Colleagues,
The National Executive of your great Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) is thankful for your continuous coverage of our programmes and activities as we endeavour to discharge our mandate. We thank you for responding to our invitation once again, even at short notice.

Colleagues, the GJA joins the nation in observing our Heritage Month, a period dedicated to celebrating the rich history, culture, traditions and identity of the Ghanaian people. The month provides an important opportunity for citizens and institutions alike to reflect on the values that define our national character and strengthen our collective commitment to preserving and promoting Ghana’s cultural heritage.

It is important for us all to make a conscious effort to proudly wear our kente, fugu, kaba and slit, and caftan as symbols of our rich cultural identity. Let us also celebrate our diverse cuisine by eating our traditional dishes such as tuo zaafi, akple, fufu, kenkey, banku and kokonte in style. We want to re-echo the saying that EAT GHANA, WEAR GHANA, DRINK GHANA, DATE GHANA AND MARRY GHANA.

As we do so, we must equally embrace and showcase our vibrant music and dance traditions to the rest of the world, proudly telling the story of who we are as a people and celebrating the beauty of Ghanaian heritage.

The GJA encourages all media houses across the country to use their platforms to highlight and celebrate Ghanaian culture, languages, traditions, cuisine, arts, and the stories of our people. The media remains one of the most powerful vehicles for shaping national identity and consciousness, and it is therefore essential that journalists and content creators play an active role in projecting the unique heritage of our country.

The Association particularly commends the numerous media organizations that have already dedicated programming and editorial content to promoting Ghana’s cultural heritage throughout this month and beyond.

As we celebrate our national heritage, the GJA also calls on journalists and media practitioners to use this period to deepen patriotic reporting that promotes national unity, responsible citizenship and the broader national interest.

GJA Welcomes Decision on Latif Idrissu Case
Colleagues, the Ghana Journalists Association commends the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno and the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dominic Ayine for their decision to pursue an out-of-court settlement in the long-standing legal case involving Latif Idrissu of JoyNews, Multimedia Group and the Ghana Police Service.

After nearly eight years of court proceedings, the GJA considers this decision a constructive and forward-looking step toward resolving a matter that has remained a significant concern for the media fraternity and advocates of press freedom in Ghana.

The Association believes that, when concluded thoroughly and to the satisfaction of all parties involved, the settlement process will bring long-awaited closure to the case and reinforce confidence in institutional accountability and justice.

The GJA’s position has always been that cases involving attacks on journalists and violations of media rights must be pursued to their logical and just conclusion. However, the Association also recognizes that justice can be achieved through appropriate alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. It is therefore important to embrace credible solutions that promote fairness, healing and institutional reform rather than allow cases to continue indefinitely without resolution.

The Association particularly applauds lead counsel for Mr. Latif Idrissu, Samson Lardi Ayenini, for his unwavering commitment, professionalism and sustained dedication to defending the rights and safety of journalists in Ghana. Mr. Ayenini’s persistence over the years has contributed significantly to keeping the issues of accountability and media protection firmly within the national discourse.

Colleague, we are elated to announce that the parties are forming a team to deliberate on the terms of settlement and arrival at a consensus on what compensation is appropriate to bring the long standing-case to a closure.

The GJA calls on the Attorney-General and the Inspector-General of Police to expedite action on the settlement process to prevent further undue delays. Swift and transparent handling of the process will demonstrate good faith and strengthen public confidence in the commitment of state institutions to uphold justice and protect press freedom.

Background
The case stems from an incident in 2018 during a police operation and protest at the headquarters of the Criminal Investigations Department of the Ghana Police Service in Accra, where Mr. Latif Idrissu, a journalist with JoyNews, was assaulted while covering a police-related story.

The incident sparked widespread condemnation from media stakeholders, civil society organizations, and press freedom advocates, leading to legal action against the Ghana Police Service. Over the years, the case has symbolized broader concerns about the safety of journalists and accountability for attacks against media practitioners in Ghana.

The GJA remains hopeful that the successful resolution of this case will serve as an important precedent for dialogue, accountability and respect for media freedom in Ghana’s democratic dispensation.

Recent Police Invitation and Interrogation of Journalists
The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has taken note of recent developments involving the invitation of some senior editors by the Ghana Police Service in February this year. While we acknowledge the mandate of the Police to investigate matters of public interest, we are compelled to express concern over a growing pattern that risks creating an atmosphere of fear within the media landscape.

Quite recently, on 11 February 2026, the Police Criminal Investigations Department (CID) invited some of our colleagues following a report of alleged publication of false news made against them by the CEO of a state agency, despite the same matter being pursued in court as a civil case. This action amounts to intimidation targeted at journalists.

The Association has also received troubling accounts from one of our colleagues, who reported that following a police invitation on 24th February 2026, he was questioned over publications in his newspaper and asked to respond to unsubstantiated allegations, including claims of extortion involving an unnamed third party.

According to the journalist, despite requests for clarity and evidence, the investigators failed to provide details to substantiate these claims. He was subsequently granted bail and later subjected to further interrogation, including the examination of private communications.

More concerning is the claim that, under an ex-parte court order, the investigator proceeded to seize the journalist’s working tools, including a mobile phone, under unclear circumstances and without proper documentation. The journalist maintains that these actions were carried out on suspicion of an unspecified offence, raising serious concerns about due process and the protection of journalistic work.

One of our colleagues also informed us that during interrogation over alleged false publication, he was at one point asked to disclose his source, a request he firmly resisted.

This is why the GJA, alongside other media stakeholders, has consistently called for the repeal of what we describe as “repressive” sections of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775), and the Criminal and Other Offences Act. These laws are often weaponised to arrest, intimidate, and muzzle journalists, thereby creating a climate of fear.

If you feel defamed, seek redress in the courts of law. Do not hide behind the security services under the pretext of fighting false publications to intimidate and harass journalists.

Concerns About Security Services Recruitment Exercise
Colleagues, the GJA has been monitoring discussions on the ongoing recruitment exercise into the various security services across the country.

The Association commends the Government of Ghana for its efforts to address youth unemployment by expanding recruitment into the security agencies. However, we observe with concern the extremely high number of applicants over 500,000 young people competing for approximately 5,000 positions.

The Ghana Journalists Association cannot fathom why young and energetic patriots who are willing to serve their country in the various security services are made to pay simply to pick up recruitment forms. This practice is neither appropriate nor healthy for our democracy.

This is why we commend President John Dramani Mahama, himself a member of the GJA, for directing the expansion of the recruitment exercise. His intervention demonstrates responsiveness to public concern and offers renewed hope to thousands of young people.

Going forward, successive governments must do away with the practice of compelling individuals who wish to serve in the security agencies to purchase forms that do not guarantee employment, especially given the overwhelming number of applicants.

The GJA is also calling for the depoliticization of recruitment into the various security establishments. This trend does not augur well for services that owe allegiance to the state, not to any political party or government. We therefore urge Ghanaians, particularly some Ministers of State, to desist from such unpatriotic acts.

The Association further urges authorities to ensure that recruitment processes are fair, transparent, and efficient. The increasing use of Artificial Intelligence and digital tools must be carefully monitored to avoid bias or unintended exclusion of qualified applicants.

Ashanti Media Summit
The GJA warmly acknowledges the successful organisation of the recent Ashanti Media Summit held in Kumasi. The event brought together journalists, policymakers, and industry players to deliberate on the role of the media in development.

We commend the organisers and extend appreciation to the Ashanti Regional Minister for the strong support demonstrated. Such collaborations reflect a shared recognition of the indispensable role of the media in governance and development.

The GJA encourages other regions to emulate this initiative to strengthen the growth, resilience, and impact of the media in Ghana.

GJA AGM
Colleague, all is set for the 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA). The meeting will take place on March 31, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the Ghana International Press Centre in Accra.

The AGM serves as the highest decision-making body of the Association and Our Constitution enjoined us to convened the AGM within the first quarter of each year.

All members in good standing as of December 31, 2025, are eligible to attend the meeting.

It is important to clarify that only registered members, excluding honorary and student members, will have voting rights during the proceedings.

The National Executive will be publishing the list of members in good standing on March 24, 2026. Members are hereby encouraged to pay their dues before the publication date for their names to be on the list and also to fully participate in the AGM. The National Executive looks forward to welcoming all members to this all-important meeting.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the Ghana Journalists Association reiterates its commitment to strengthening media professionalism, promoting the welfare and safety of journalists, and defending press freedom in Ghana.

As the nation celebrates Heritage Month, the GJA calls on journalists to continue serving the public with integrity, patriotism and dedication.
Long Live Press Freedom
Long Live GJA
Long Live Ghana
Thank you.