A Ghanaian journalist who was attacked while covering activities at the Council of State during a district election in the Upper West Region says he is frustrated that a year after the incident no one has been held accountable.
The journalist was reportedly assaulted while reporting on the election for the Wa Municipal Assembly. He sustained injuries during the attack and filed a formal complaint with the police at the time. However, despite repeated follow-ups by his legal team and colleagues in the media community, the case remains unresolved and no arrests have been made.
In a recent statement, the reporter expressed deep disappointment over what he described as a lack of urgency by law enforcement agencies to bring the perpetrators to justice. He said that the delay in investigations has sent a worrying message about impunity for attacks on the press and has made journalists feel vulnerable when covering sensitive events.
Media unions and press freedom advocates have also condemned the prolonged delay. They argue that attacks on journalists undermine democratic practice and call for swift action to protect press freedom. Some organisations have called on the Ghana Police Service to prioritise the matter and ensure that those responsible are identified and prosecuted.
Many journalists who have worked with the victim said that such incidents discourage media professionals from carrying out their duties fearlessly, particularly in conflict-prone areas where tensions can rise quickly. They have urged authorities to adopt stronger mechanisms to safeguard the rights of journalists and to expedite investigations into assaults against members of the press.
Human rights groups have echoed similar concerns, saying the justice system must demonstrate that attacks on journalists will not go unpunished. They believe doing so is essential for maintaining freedom of expression and ensuring that citizens can access information without fear.
As the one-year mark passes, the reporter continues to demand accountability and a clear update on the status of the case. He has vowed to pursue his complaint relentlessly until justice is served.
