The United Press for Development Network (UPDN) unequivocally condemns the violent attack on Mr. Murtala Inusah, Legal Affairs Correspondent for the EIB Network, by supporters of Bishop Elisha Salifu Amoako at the High Court in Accra. This brazen assault on a journalist within a court’s premises is not only a direct attack on press freedom but also raises grave concerns about the state of security in our judicial institutions.
We express our deepest solidarity with Mr. Inusah, who sustained injuries, including multiple cuts on his wrist, and also lost his personal belongings while lawfully performing his duties as a journalist. It is unacceptable that individuals resort to violence in an attempt to stifle media coverage, especially within a space that symbolizes the rule of law and justice.
The UPDN is gravely concerned about the glaring security lapses that allowed such an incident to occur at the heart of our justice system. It is alarming that members of the public could engage in violent acts, leading to bodily harm and theft, without immediate intervention from security personnel.
This unfortunate incident undermines public trust in the ability of the judiciary to safeguard all persons, including journalists, within its premises.
We demand the following:
1. Immediate arrest and swift prosecution of all individuals involved in the attack.
2. A thorough investigation into the security lapses at the High Court, with clear steps outlined to prevent future occurrences.
3. Stricter enforcement of security protocols in all court facilities to guarantee the safety of journalists, court officials, and the general public.
4. Assurances from the Ghana Police Service that journalists will be protected while discharging their professional duties, as enshrined under Article 162(4) of the 1992 Constitution.
Journalists play a crucial role in informing the public and holding institutions accountable, and any attempt to intimidate them threatens the very foundation of democracy. The attack on Mr. Inusah is an attack on all media practitioners, and it cannot be tolerated under any circumstance.
The UPDN will continue to monitor developments closely and offer the necessary support to Mr. Inusah and other affected journalists. We also urge all media houses and stakeholders to unite in ensuring that press freedom in Ghana is protected at all costs.
The UPDN stands firm: Violence against journalists has no place in Ghana. We call on the authorities to act decisively – justice must not be delayed or denied.
About UPDN:
United Press for Development Network (UPDN) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting press freedom, media development, and sustainable development across Africa. Through capacity building, advocacy, and networking, UPDN empowers journalists and media organizations to uphold professional standards, foster accountability, and advance the public interest.
Signed
Kelvin Malor
(National Organizer)
024-599-5541
David Albert Quainoo
(South Korea Coordinator)
+82-10-2117-4780
Betty Boafo
(Secretary)
024-487-0055
Eric Nana Prekoh
(Media Relations Coordinator)
024-646-0428
William Hayford Mintah
(Central Region Coordinator)
024-476-6538
Frank Darlington Heymann
(International Relations Coordinator)
0245414948
Kofi Asante Mensah
(President)
Tel: 024-469-0262
Office: 0302-965-325
