She highlighted that, such acts of violence endangered the lives and livelihoods of media professionals and undermined the foundations of democratic values.

To address these challenges, Ms Abubakar mentioned that, the Information Ministry had proactively implemented a Coordinated Mechanism on Safety for Journalists (CMSJ) and launched a Media Capacity Enhancement Programme (MCEP).

These initiatives aim to enhance the safety and capacity of journalists in Ghana.

Ms Abubakar made these remarks during the World Press Freedom Day celebrations held in Koforidua, in the Eastern Region.

Her statements underscored the government’s commitment to protecting press freedom and upholding democratic principles in Ghana.

She noted that the two distinct programmes rolled out by the Ministry aimed to equip journalists with the skills and resources they required to navigate the increasingly complex landscape of modern journalism, while ensuring their safety and security.

“The programmes have already yielded positive outcomes and results and to date, we have provided comprehensive training to over 140 journalists from different media houses nationwide,” she said.

According to her, the training sessions had equipped journalists with the skills, knowledge, and expertise to excel in their profession, stressing that the Ministry was committed to broadening the scope of the programmes to reach all journalists.

In addition, she said the draft Broadcasting Bill had been finalized and the Ministry was working assiduously with the committee members in parliament to ensure its timely laying before the August House.

The purpose of the Bill is to provide comprehensive legislation on broadcasting services regulated by the National Media Commission and the National Communications Authority in a manner consistent with the Constitution.

It also seeks to regulate and sanitise the broadcasting space in Ghana.

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Mohammed Aminu while covering the chaos that disrupted the elections in the Yendi constituency was allegedly attacked by Mr. Aliu Mahama and his supporters.

In a press statement released on Tuesday, May 7, Mr. Farouk Mahama expressed his regret over the incident, describing it as unfortunate.

The Yendi MP also assured that such an incident would not happen again.

He emphasized his commitment to promoting a peaceful and constructive political environment and condemned all forms of violence, especially against the media.

Mr. Farouk Mahama highlighted the critical role of the media in Ghana’s democratic society, stressing the need to encourage them to fulfill their responsibilities effectively.

“I am writing to express my sincere regret over the recent incident that occurred at the NPP parliamentary primaries in Yendi. The attack on individuals, including your correspondent, was deeply regrettable and unfortunate.

“I have always been a proponent of a peaceful and constructive political environment, and I unequivocally condemn any form of violence, especially against the media. Throughout my life, I have upheld the belief that violence or anything close to it has no place in our society,” the Yendi MP said. 

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According to him, the GJA has gotten the police involved in recent attacks on journalists but the Service has not responded to their plea.

The GJA President indicated that, the only option left was to blacklist those who attack journalists.

Mr. Dwumfour on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen programme Tuesday said the Police is being biased in their procedure citing the swiftness with which they responded to the murder of the Jirapa Dubai hotel CEO but have ignored journalists.

“Dampare and his team have failed the media. The confidence journalists had in him has gone down. There are several instances of attacks on journalists but nothing has been done. The swiftness with which they made arrests of the Jirapa Dubai’s CEO murder shows they are biased. We have followed due processes but still has yielded no results. So blacklisting was our last option,” he said.

The GJA president also called for a reassessment of the system to enable journalists work without fear or favour.

“The system needs to provide an enabling environment for journalists to thrive, to be able to discharge their duty without fear or favor. But if that system doesn’t care and doesn’t prosecute assaulters then we have a problem. The situation is abnormal if the system can’t protect us especially when the attack is increasing,” Mr. Dwumfuor said.

This comes after the MP on Adom FM’s morning show, Dwaso Nsem said that he would take the journalist to court for defamation.

Mohammed Aminu also speaking on Dwaso Nsem on January 30, narrated how Mr. Aliu Mahama and his team attacked him while he was covering the chaos that disrupted the parliamentary primaries in the Yendi constituency.

“I saw MP Farouk Aliu Mahama complaining about someone who came to disrupt the voting process, I was close to him to ask a few questions then he slapped and kicked me with the leg. His local bodyguards grabbed me by the neck, assaulted and took my phone away. The police late came to rescue me.

I will be most welcomed if he sues me. Currently, I am on my way to the regional command because they have called me. Everyone there including my colleagues witnessed what he did to me. If he thinks he is a man. He should try to sue me,” he said.

“I feel pains in my neck, and chest and some headaches since the incident,” Mr. Alabira bemoaned.

Meanwhile, the Northern Regional Police Command is investigating the matter.

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