The Centre for Social Democracy (CSD-Ghana) has said it is time to demand justice for the slain Tiger Eye PI’s Undercover Investigative Journalist, Ahmed Suale and other journalists who have been attacked in their line of duty.
In a statement commemorating this year World Press Freedom Day, May 3, 2020, Mr. Williams Agbodo while commending journalists and the media for their effort in the fight against the deadly coronavirus called on the Attorney General of Ghana to expedite action on the prosecution cases in which journalists were attacked.
“As we commemorate World Press Freedom Day 2020 we call on the Attorney General to expedite action on the prosecution of cases involving attacks on journalists particularly the prosecution of the murderers of Ahmed Suale.”
Commenting of Ghana’s performance of the Press Freedom Index, Mr. Agbodo described as unfortunate Ghana’s continuous drop on the table since 2017.
“According to the World Press Freedom Index, 2020, Ghana dropped 3 places from 27 to 30 losing its enviable place as the number one in Africa for the second time. From placing 26th globally in 2016 and 2017, Ghana placed 23rd in 2018 and number one in Africa. Unfortunately, Ghana dropped to the 27th position in 2019 and has dropped further to 30th position in April 2020.”
He noted that “The gradual decline in Ghana’s rating remains a major cause for concern. Ghana’s poor ranking in recent years is largely attributed to the incessant attacks on journalists including the gruesome murder of Tiger Eye Investigative journalists Ahmed Suale whose perpetrators are yet to be brought to book.”
“The closure of over 100 radio stations across the country, most of which are perceived as critics of the ruling government, for regulatory breaches leading to unemployment for many journalists is yet another attack on press freedom. Given the significant public broadcasting services provided by such private media, government ought to intervene to ensure the re-opening of such stations.” – he added.
Read the full statement:
PRESS RELEASE
WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY 2020
TIME TO DEMAND JUSTICE FOR AHMED SUALE AND JOURNALISTS WHO HAVE BEEN ATTACKED IN THE LINE OF DUTY
May 3, 2020 ACCRA-Ghana – Centre for Social Democracy (CSD-Ghana) wishes to congratulate all journalists on occasion of World Press Freedom Day 2020 under the theme “Journalism without Fear or Favour”.
First of all CSD-Ghana wishes to commend all journalists and media establishments for their brave and fearless coverage of the covid-19 pandemic in Ghana that has contributed to enhanced public knowledge about the virus, mode of transmission, preventive and safety protocols as well as how to seek assistance for treatment and related issues. Journalists from both state owned media and the private media should be particularly commended for braving the odds against the risk of transmission to provide coverage on issues related to the pandemic.
The history of the fight for press freedom in Ghana is not lost on us as Ghanaians. Press freedom is critical for every democratic society to promote good governance, enhance accountability, civic education and to fight corruption. Thankfully, Ghana’s return to a constitutional democracy heralded by the promulgation of the Constitution, 1992 presented great hope as the Constitution makes elaborate provisions that guarantee press freedom and free expression.
According to the World Press Freedom Index, 2020, Ghana dropped 3 places from 27 to 30 losing its enviable place as the number one in Africa for the second time. From placing 26th globally in 2016 and 2017, Ghana placed 23rd in 2018 and number one in Africa. Unfortunately, Ghana dropped to the 27th position in 2019 and has dropped further to 30th position in April 2020.
The gradual decline in Ghana’s rating remains a major cause for concern. Ghana’s poor ranking in recent years is largely attributed to the incessant attacks on journalists including the gruesome murder of Tiger Eye Investigative journalists Ahmed Suale whose perpetrators are yet to be brought to book.
The closure of over 100 radio stations across the country, most of which are perceived as critics of the ruling government, for regulatory breaches leading to unemployment for many journalists is yet another attack on press freedom. Given the significant public broadcasting services provided by such private media, government ought to intervene to ensure the re-opening of such stations.
CSD-Ghana is equally concerned about the incessant attacks on journalists, especially on social media, who are critical on both government and opposition actors in their quest to demand accountability. This development is dangerous as it portrays a culture of intolerance and represents an attack on free press.
Citizens must support journalists to fearlessly do their work. Where journalists breach their code of conduct, they should be held accountable through the appropriate institutions.
As we approach the 2020 elections in December, the work of the media is providing platforms for citizens’ engagement with politicians and also holding duty bearers accountable is important. In this regard, we call on government to put in place adequate measures to safeguard the safety and security of journalists to enable them do their work without fear or favour.
As we commemorate World Press Freedom Day 2020 we call on the Attorney General to expedite action on the prosecution of cases involving attacks on journalists particularly the prosecution of the murderers of Ahmed Suale.
