The President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Dwumfour, has issued a firm call on the Ghana Police Service to immediately halt what he describes as the intimidation and harassment of senior editors and journalists over their publications.
Speaking at a press conference at the Press Centre on Wednesday, 18 March 2026, Dwumfour said the Association is deeply concerned about recent actions by the police, particularly the invitation of senior editors in February 2026. He warned that such developments risk fostering a climate 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 false news published 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,” the GJA President said.
“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,” Dwumfour added.
Emphasising the gravity of the situation, he revealed that one of the affected journalists was pressured during interrogation to reveal sources.
“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,” Dwumfour stated.
