The President of the Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG), David Sitsope Tamakloe, has called for the establishment of dedicated desks within all state security agencies to promptly handle complaints from journalists who suffer (alleged) assaults in the line of duty.
According to him, the growing incidents of intimidation, harassment and physical attacks against media practitioners pose a serious threat to press freedom and democratic accountability in the country.
Tamakloe made the call during an an engagement between Ghanaian media chiefs and the leadership of the security agencies in Accra, where he stressed the urgent need for a structured and responsive mechanism within institutions such as the Ghana Police Service and other security bodies to address cases involving journalists.
“Journalists play a critical role in safeguarding democracy, and any attack on them is an attack on the very foundations of our society,” he said. “We need specialised units within the security agencies that understand the unique nature of the work of journalists and can respond swiftly and effectively when incidents occur.”
He noted that many journalists who fall victim to assaults often struggle to obtain justice due to delays, lack of proper documentation, or what he described as a general lack of sensitivity towards media-related cases.
The PRINPAG President further urged the government and relevant stakeholders to prioritise the safety of journalists by strengthening institutional frameworks and ensuring that perpetrators of such attacks are brought to justice.
Tamakloe also called for closer collaboration between media organisations and security agencies, including regular training and sensitisation programmes to foster mutual understanding and respect.
He emphasised that without adequate protection for journalists, the country risks undermining its democratic gains and the constitutional right to freedom of expression.
His comments come amid renewed concerns by media watchdogs and civil society groups over rising cases of violence against journalists, with calls intensifying for stronger safeguards to protect media practitioners across the country.