Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), has urged governments around the world to prioritize the safety and protection of journalists.
Speaking at a panel discussion in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Mr. Dwumfour expressed grave concern over the rising number of attacks on journalists globally, including fatal incidents.
He stressed the urgent need for governments to take a stronger stance against impunity by ensuring that those responsible for these crimes are arrested and prosecuted.
His remarks were made during a two-day event commemorating this year’s International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists. The panel discussion, themed “Ensuring the Safety and Protection of Journalists by Addressing Impunity: A Responsibility for the World,” was co-organized by the Federation of African Journalists (FAJ) and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ).
This year’s observance was also supported by UNESCO and the African Union (AU), under the theme: “Safety of Journalists in Crises and Emergencies.” Joining Mr. Dwumfour at the event was GJA General Secretary Kofi Yeboah. A highlight of the gathering was the launch of the Virtual Scroll, a projection that showcased the profiles of 1,653 journalists killed worldwide from 1993 to 2023.
Among those honored was Ghanaian investigative journalist Ahmed Suale, whose murder in 2019 remains unsolved, with no arrests made five years later.
Describing the global toll of journalist fatalities as alarming, Mr. Dwumfour called for decisive action to address such killings. “At the international level, we must advocate for severe sanctions against states or governments that are complicit in harming journalists,” he stated. “Leaders of these governments must be held personally accountable for these crimes.”
He also highlighted the importance of preventive measures, urging for greater public education on the vital role journalists play in national development. He explained that such initiatives would help foster public understanding of the need to protect journalists and ensure their safety.
“This will encourage the public to actively participate in safeguarding the protection and safety of journalists,” he added. The call for enhanced protection and accountability comes at a time when journalists face increasing risks in many parts of the world.
