Short Crimes Against Journalists

There has never been a more dangerous time for media workers and journalists in particular. They are being killed and imprisoned worldwide in record numbers. They face daily threats, attacks and intimidation from individuals and public figures who are prepared to silence them for their parochial interests. These and other global media concerns have re-ignited the United Nations' plan of action on the safety of journalists, thereby instituting November 2, starting this year, as an International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists. In this feature, Rosemary Gaisie looks at the spate of violent acts against journalists and how best to tackle them, with the plight of the Ghanaian professional in focus. 


If the voice of the people is indeed the voice of God, then what  you just heard depicts the fact that journalism, as the 4th estate of the realm, is one risky but critical and yet selfless profession that needs the protection of its leadership, state actors, civil society and all well-meaning citizens who acknowledge the media's role in development. They are intimidated, assaulted, abused, threatened, detained, jailed and in some cases tortured and even murdered with many of their perpetrators going unpunished. 

These and many untold plight of journalists, plus the more bizarre stories of those in other parts of the world make laudable, UN's  setting of November 2, as the International Day to end impunity and crimes against  journalists. It would be recalled that on November2, 2013, the World received the shocking news of the murder in Mali, of two French veteran journalists. To Reporters without Borders, the adopted resolution by the UN and the cause symbolised by the November 2 date chosen for international day to end impunity are more crucial than ever. UNESCO Head and Representative in Ghana, Tirso Dos Santos justifies the passage by consensus of this resolution by the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly on November 26, 2013. 

According to the Secretary-General of Reporters without borders, Christophe Deloire, 2013 was the deadliest year for journalists, with 89 killed in connection with their work, since the group began producing an annual round-up in 1995. The UNESCO Head buttresses this with more disturbing acts within10 years. 

This is the global view. So how serous is the situation in Ghana and the entire African continent? Here is the view of a long serving Ghanaians private practitioner, Kwesi Pratt, Managing Editor of the Insight Newspaper. 

Narrating a personal experience of detention in the 1980's the outspoken and confident looking professional, noted that journalism practice the world over has such consequences. Though his imprisonment has no impact on him in any way, Mr Pratt admits it is never commonplace, being in jail. 

After a long cherished history, the Ghanaian media are touted as one of the freest, currently the 3rd on the continent, following constitutional rule since 1992. Its fight against corruption is so much revered as echoed by President John Mahama at the 69th UN General Assembly. 


Vincent Dzatse a photo journalist with the Ghanaian Times newspaper is one of the victims DCOP Ampah-Bennin recalled, whose incident occurred during Ghana's 66th independence anniversary parade.

In all these, how have the security apparatus, particularly the police ensured accountability, through the conduct of the media workers? Again DCOP Ampah-Benin.

In the view of the Ghanaian media leadership, a call to end impunity for crimes against journalists is long overdue. And the time to act is now. Roland Affail Monney is the President of Ghana Journalists Association. 

There is no denying the fact that the safety of journalists and the freedom to practice is an essential prerequisite to ensuring freedom of expression, democracy, social development, peace and accountability.  But whose duty is it to ensure that all journalists by extension all media workers are safe and protected from harm? And how is this achievable?  Hear some advocates, victims and the law enforcer speak. 

<b>Click attached audio for detailed Information</b>

GBC