The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has condemned alleged attacks on journalists covering demolition exercises at La Pleasure Beach and Laboma Beach, calling for accountability from the security agencies involved.
Speaking at the launch of the 30th GJA Media Awards in Accra, GJA President Albert Kwabena Dwumfour said the Association was concerned about reported incidents of assault, intimidation and harassment of journalists while performing their professional duties.
He cited allegations involving journalists covering the demolition exercises at Laboma Beach and La Pleasure Beach, where personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces were reportedly involved.
The GJA President stressed that journalists must be allowed to work safely and freely, saying security operations should not become a justification for interfering with media practitioners carrying out their constitutional duty to inform the public.
The Association has given the Ghana Armed Forces a two-week deadline to provide a comprehensive account of its investigations and indicate any disciplinary or other action taken against personnel found culpable.
The latest concerns follow demolition exercises at the two beachfront locations.
At Laboma Beach, a government post-flood mitigation task force led an operation in September to remove structures said to be within the buffer zone of the Kpeshie Lagoon. The exercise involved the 48 Engineer Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces and the Police Service.
At La Pleasure Beach, a separate clearance exercise began on October 2, involving personnel of the 48 Engineer Regiment and the Police. Several structures, businesses, and facilities were demolished, with National Security later identified as supervising the operation.
The demolitions have generated concerns over the manner in which the exercises were conducted, including complaints about inadequate prior engagement with affected stakeholders.
The GJA says it expects the Ghana Armed Forces to account for the alleged treatment of journalists and communicate the outcome of its investigations within the stipulated two weeks.
Also read:
