Former running mate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has called for stronger action against impunity for crimes targeting journalists, warning that media practitioners are increasingly facing threats and intimidation without accountability.
Dr Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as NAPO, raised the concern in a Facebook post on Monday, November 2, to mark the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists.
He expressed solidarity with journalists in Ghana and across the world who face threats because of their work, stressing the need to protect their freedom to question public officials, investigate sensitive issues and report on matters of public interest.
“On this International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, I stand with media professionals in Ghana and across the world who face threats because of their work,” he stated.
“Journalists must be able to ask difficult questions and report on matters of public interest without fear of violence or intimidation,” he added.
NAPO cautioned against attempts to intimidate journalists over reports that individuals or institutions may find unfavourable. He said disagreements with media publications should be addressed without endangering the safety of journalists.
“Even when we disagree strongly with a report, our response must not place a journalist’s safety at risk,” he said.
He called for attacks against journalists to be thoroughly investigated and perpetrators held accountable, while victims and their families are given access to justice.
“Attacks against journalists must be investigated thoroughly, those responsible held accountable, and victims and their families given access to justice,” he emphasised.
The former Energy Minister also urged politicians and public office holders to uphold these principles, including when they are the subject of critical media scrutiny.
“Those of us in political and public life must uphold this standard, including when the scrutiny concerns our own parties,” he stated.
He stressed that journalists’ safety should never depend on the political interests, affiliations or personal preferences of the individuals and institutions they report on.
“Journalists’ safety must never depend on whom their reporting favours or offends,” he added.
The International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists is observed annually on November 2 to raise awareness of attacks against media professionals and promote accountability for crimes committed against them.