Selective prosecution of journalists threatens press freedom, says GJA

The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has condemned the selective application of laws to prosecute journalists for their utterances, describing it as an attack on free speech.

Speaking during a workshop for journalists on election reporting on Tuesday (26 November), the General Secretary of the GJA Mr Kofi Yeboah criticised the police for invoking Section 208 of the Criminal Offences Act to criminalise free speech, particularly in cases involving media practitioners, while ignoring similar remarks made by others in different sectors.

“There are many instances where other people have said worse things and the police don’t go after them. But if it is a media person, quickly they pursue them. This is because we don’t have a strong defence,” he stated.

He was reacting to the recent arrest of Wontumi TV’s Oheneba Asiedu who is under investigation for allegedly spreading false election information, contrary to section 208 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).

While condemning the controversial utterances made by the Kumasi-based presenter Mr Yeboah expressed concern about the use of legal provisions to stifle freedom of expression. He is appealing to stakeholders including the Judicial Service to refrain from supporting decisions that undermine press freedom.

“We condemn the utterances of Oheneba Asiedu, but we don’t appreciate the police using Section 208 of the Criminal Offences Act to criminalize speech. We want to appeal to the Judicial Service not to entertain such judges because it is not in the interest of freedom of expression,” he added.

Mr. Yeboah’s comments come amidst growing concerns over the shrinking space for free speech and press freedom in Ghana. He called on stakeholders to protect the rights of journalists and ensure that legal instruments are not weaponized against the media.

The workshop, aimed at equipping at least 40 journalists with the skills to report responsibly and ethically during elections, also highlighted the importance of balancing press freedom with accountability to safeguard the country’s democracy.

For his part the Ashanti Regional Director at the Electoral Commission (EC) Mr. Osei Nsiah reiterated the Commission’s commitment to ensuring a free, fair and credible polls.

Reporting By Jonathan Ofori, Asaase Newsroom, Kumasi

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