The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Central Regional Branch, has said an attack on any media practitioner is an attack on the entire fraternity and the public’s right to information.
The remarks follow the alleged assault on an Obatanpa Radio producer and the station’s temporary closure in Kasoa.
In a statement dated Sunday, June 28, 2026, the GJA condemned the reported physical assault on Mr. Bernard Mireku, a producer at Obatanpa Radio.
The Association said the incident occurred after the station aired commentary on internal matters within the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Awutu Senya East Constituency.
The GJA noted that the reported involvement of NDC Central Regional Chairman, Mr. Richard Asiedu, the Municipal Chief Executive for Awutu Senya East, Mr. Seth Banini, and others, if proven, “constitutes a serious attack on press freedom, media independence, and Ghana’s democratic values.”
“No political party, public official or individual has the right to intimidate journalists or shut down a media house because of disagreement with its editorial content,” the Association stated.
Citing Article 162 of the 1992 Constitution, it insisted that media freedom is non-negotiable and journalists must operate without fear or interference.
The Association described violence against journalists and the disruption of media operations as criminal acts with no place in a democracy.
It called on the Ghana Police Service to investigate the matter swiftly, impartially and thoroughly, and prosecute anyone found culpable, regardless of political affiliation.
It also urged NDC leadership to publicly condemn the incident, apologise to Mr. Mireku, Obatanpa Radio, and the media fraternity, and take disciplinary action against any officials implicated.
The GJA said grievances over media content must be addressed through lawful channels such as a right of reply, the National Media Commission, the GJA, or the courts.
While defending press freedom, the Association said it equally expects journalists to uphold accuracy, fairness, balance and ethical standards.
It pledged solidarity with Obatanpa Radio’s management and staff and called on all political actors to resolve grievances through tolerance and democratic means.
