In a press release issued on October 17, the GJA detailed the harrowing attack, which left the journalist with injuries to his fingers and severe pain throughout his body. The assault occurred on October 16, 2024, while Inusah was covering the court appearance of Bishop Amoako and his wife, Mouha, following a tragic accident involving their teenage son. The couple’s son was involved in a car crash that claimed two lives.
The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has strongly condemned Bishop Elisha Salifu Amoako’s supporters’ assault on EIB Network court correspondent Murtala Inusah during court proceedings in Accra. Describing the attack as “devilish,” the GJA has called for immediate action from the Ghana Police Service to arrest and prosecute the perpetrators.
The GJA condemned the attackers’ actions, emphasizing that such incidents are an affront to press freedom and the constitutional rights of journalists in Ghana. “We consider this act devilish and call on the police to act swiftly to bring the assailants to justice. Such brazen attacks must not go unpunished,” the statement read.
The GJA also appealed to the judiciary and police to enhance security measures for journalists covering sensitive cases in court, ensuring their safety while they perform their duties. Additionally, the association urged the media to cover this case extensively to uphold the public’s right to information and to discourage further attacks on journalists.
“We advise media practitioners not to be intimidated by such callous acts and to continue discharging their professional mandate without fear,” the GJA added, encouraging reporters to flood the courts for the next hearing scheduled for October 30, 2024.
The association also took the opportunity to remind journalists of their ethical responsibilities, particularly concerning the coverage of the teenage suspect involved in the case, urging the media to uphold privacy standards as outlined in the GJA Code of Ethics and the Children’s Act, 1998.
As the 2024 elections approach, the GJA has called on the public to exercise restraint and tolerance toward the work of the media, which serves the public interest.
Stay tuned for more updates as the case develops.
Source: Myinfotoday.com
