Impunity for crimes against journalists must end

November 2 marked the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, a United Nations-recognised day instituted in 2013.

This year's observance focused on the safety of journalists in conflict areas and emergencies. Ghana, touted as a beacon of democracy, must introspect on its own record.

The Ghana Journalists Association reports that 13 journalists and media workers faced attacks between January and October this year. Sympathisers of major political parties and unknown assailants were implicated. Regrettably, none of these cases have been resolved, and no arrests made.

The 1992 Constitution guarantees media freedom, emphasising no impediments to private press establishments and protection from government control. Editors and publishers must not face penalties or harassment for editorial opinions.

“There shall be no impediments to the establishment of private press or media; and in particular, there shall be no law requiring any person to obtain a licence as a prerequisite to the establishment or operation of a newspaper, journal or other media for mass communication or information.

“Editors and publishers of newspapers and other institutions of the mass media shall not be subject to control or interference by Government, nor shall they be penalised or harassed for their editorial opinions and views, or the content of their publications.

“All agencies of the mass media shall, at all times, be free to uphold the principles, provisions and objectives of this Constitution, and shall uphold the responsibility and accountability of the Government to the people of Ghana,” the Constitution states explicitly.

Despite this, impunity persists. Ahmed Hussein-Suale's 2019 assassination remains unsolved, with no update from authorities. This information blackout emboldens criminals and tarnishes Ghana's democratic credentials.

The Daily Graphic thinks as Co-Chair of the Eminent Group of Advocates for the Sustainable Development Goals,  President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo must prioritise the safety of journalists. Sustainable Development Goal 16 hinges on public access to information and fundamental freedoms, which journalists provide.

Ghana may not be having much internal conflict, perhaps with the exception of the Bawku issue that has surged recently. But the elections ahead on December 7 have caused many to be apprehensive because of the utterances of some political actors and previous experiences of pockets of violence in some areas of the country.

As the country approaches this year’s elections, political aspirants must understand that impunity against journalists will not be tolerated.

Journalists and media houses will report happenings from the country as and when they occur. It is our constitutional mandate and our responsibility to society. The Ghana Police Service must, therefore, provide adequate security for journalists covering the elections, especially in areas tagged as hotspots in the country during elections.

The Daily Graphic also calls on the public to support media practitioners in the line of duty. Many a time when media houses or journalists are being attacked, the public look on indifferently without knowing that the journalist works for the interest of all citizens. We also call on media colleagues to launch a robust campaign highlighting journalists' rights.

The media, however, must not forget that as we have the right to work, we must also be truthful, fair, accurate and balanced in our reportage, which when not adhered to can incur the wrath of the public.

However, inasmuch as the media may err in their duty, we entreat the citizenry not to take the law into their own hands, but use the right and lawful channels to seek redress.

On the occasion of International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, we urge the authorities to update the public on the status of pending cases.

We will not mince words that Ghana's democracy is at stake. When journalists become easy prey, all lives are at risk. We must collectively combat impunity and safeguard press freedom.

The day the media die, freedom dies.