Attacks on Journalists in Ghana by Security Services: A Continuing Concern

By: Adwoa Nyarko Asiamah | 6 January 2026

Ghana is widely regarded as a country with a strong democratic tradition and a relatively free media space. However, attacks on journalists by state security and emergency service personnel continue to occur, raising concerns about the safety of media practitioners and respect for press freedom.

Over the years, journalists in Ghana have reported assaults, intimidation, and obstruction by security officers, particularly during election periods, public disturbances, and security operations. These incidents have occurred while journalists were carrying out legitimate professional duties, including documenting events of public interest.

A recent incident involving a journalist from the Class Media Group highlights the persistence of this problem. According to the journalist, he witnessed fire service officers assaulting a civilian and took out his phone to record the incident. He stated that approximately ten fire service personnel then rushed at him, seized his phone, and assaulted him, despite his clearly identifying himself as a journalist performing his professional duties. The incident has drawn public concern and renewed calls for accountability.

Such actions contradict Article 162 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, which guarantees freedom and independence of the media and prohibits censorship. Journalists play a critical role in documenting events, promoting transparency, and holding authorities accountable. When they are attacked for recording or reporting on matters of public interest, it undermines constitutional governance and public trust in state institutions.

A recurring challenge in cases involving attacks on journalists is accountability. While assurances of investigations are sometimes given, outcomes are often unclear, creating a perception of impunity and increasing fear among media practitioners.

Protecting journalists is essential to safeguarding democracy. There is a need for effective accountability mechanisms, continuous training of security and emergency service personnel on media rights, and firm institutional commitment to respecting press freedom. Without these measures, attacks on journalists will continue to threaten Ghana’s democratic values and its reputation for media freedom.