The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has raised concerns about the heavy military presence in Akwatia ahead of the parliamentary by-election scheduled for Tuesday, September 2, 2025.
In a statement on Friday, the Association reminded the security services that election security is primarily the responsibility of the Ghana Police Service, as mandated by the relevant Legislative Instrument, with the military expected to provide only backup support when necessary.
The GJA warned that the presence of masked security personnel in the constituency could create fear and panic among voters and undermine confidence in the electoral process.
It also issued a strong call to journalists covering the polls to uphold the highest ethical standards, urging accuracy, fairness, and balance in their reportage.
The Association further advised reporters to avoid conduct or language that might expose them to hostility, while cautioning media houses to equip their teams with protective gear and risk management guidance before deployment.
“We expect you to professionally broadcast or publish the news—don’t become the news,” the GJA told its members.
The Association appealed to political parties and their supporters to respect the work of journalists and avoid confrontations that could compromise their safety. It also held the security agencies, particularly the Police, fully accountable for protecting journalists on duty.
The GJA reminded the Ghana Armed Forces of its unfulfilled promise to release findings into the assault of JoyNews reporter Carlos Calony and his cameraman by a soldier earlier this year, insisting that the delay raises questions about the military’s commitment to accountability.
Reaffirming its stance, the GJA said, “Journalists are not combatants in the political contest; they are professionals carrying out a democratic duty to inform the public. Journalism is not a crime, and journalists must be treated as partners in democracy, not targets of threats or attacks.”
Source: Adomonline
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