Handle the media with care: IGP urges security service

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has called on the security services to handle journalists with care as the country prepares for upcoming elections.

In an address at the International Press Centre, and on the back of a series of calls made by the President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Kwabena Dwumfuor, the IGP assured that the police would provide maximum protection for journalists covering election-related activities.

Mr. Yohuno stressed that the media were partners in democracy and should not be treated as outsiders.

The IGP disclosed that 600 specially trained officers had been deployed to Akwatia to ensure peace and order during the by-election, adding that the police would deal decisively with anyone who attempted to disrupt the process.

He further assured that cases involving assaults on journalists, including the Akwatia and Kumasi incidents, were under investigation and would soon be put before court.

He noted that the police were working closely with the Attorney-General’s office to ensure justice is served.

On his part, the GJA President welcomed the assurances but urged the police to match their words with action.

He said the association would monitor court proceedings to ensure journalists who had been assaulted received justice.

Mr. Dwumfuor also drew attention to threats faced by some journalists, especially political talk show hosts, and called for improved protection and rehabilitation support for affected media personnel.

By: Jacob Aggrey

Join our WhatsApp Channel now!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27