The Communications Director of New Patriotic Party (NPP), Richard Ahiagbah, has issued a pointed call to President John Dramani Mahama to move beyond public condemnation and take concrete steps to tackle a growing wave of assaults on journalists across the country.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s The Big Issue on Saturday, August 2, Ahiagbah said the President’s reaction to recent attacks was “insufficient” and urged him to ensure accountability through real consequences for perpetrators.
“It’s troubling. We should condemn it in no uncertain terms. That act is unacceptable,” Ahiagbah said, referring to the beating of JoyNews journalist Carlos Calony and others allegedly by military officers during a demolition exercise at Spintex on July 30.
“President Mahama talking about it is not the solution. What we’re looking for is to stop that environment. Give full effect to Article 21, the freedom of speech for citizens, including the media, is guaranteed,” he stressed.
Ahiagbah’s remarks follow public outrage over recent incidents involving journalists. On July 17, a GHOne TV reporter was assaulted during the Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun. Just weeks later, JoyNews’ Carlos Calony, his cameraman, and an eyewitness were reportedly attacked while covering a demolition allegedly linked to businessman Daniel McKorley, also known as McDan.
President Mahama responded to the latest attack with a statement condemning the incident and instructing security agencies to investigate and bring the culprits to justice. But Ahiagbah insists the statement falls short.
“President Mahama’s take on the matter is not conclusive. What will be conclusive is that the individuals who have abused citizens’ rights, whether journalists or eyewitnesses, face consequences. It is not words. It is action,” he stated firmly.
He further referenced a pattern of violence against media professionals under Mahama’s previous administration, warning that unless decisive measures are taken, Ghana’s reputation for press freedom could deteriorate.
The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has already issued a stern warning, threatening a media blackout on police-related activities if journalists continue to be targeted without accountability.
