Journalists are gradually becoming endangered species in Ghana as they increasingly face all forms of threats in the course of their duty.
Although, this might not be the first time, journalists are haunted in the cause of their duty, the case under a human right lawyer, is quite worrisome.
There is an increasing reports of journalists and media houses being attacked, by undemocratic and unpatriotic misfits for holding government accountable and for ensuring that the right thing is done in the society.
It is sad to imagine that, , that journalists who are supposed to hold the government and leaders accountable, have now become the target of elements opposed to free speech.
This is definitely not good enough for democracy. The shooting to death of Ahmed Hussein Sualein 2019, which still remains unresolved, had portrayed the country in a bad light, before the rest of the world.
Recent happeningspoints to the fact, journalists are no longer safe in the country. A community radio station in Ada, was violently attacked last month by ten heavily built macho men in this day and age. Staff were beaten, harassed and held hostage, the station’s equipment was damaged, and the on-air host at the time was sent to the hospital.
Without gainsaying it, it is the responsibility of government to protect journalists and, indeed, all Ghanaians, while at the same time ensuring a favourable environment for them to carry out their duties.
We make bold to state that, the current administration has more than once displayed tendencies that only sought to stifle media freedom and begs the question whether we are practicing democracy or autocracy.
A nation that does not prioritise the safety of journalists and other media workers can be regarded as a sick nation.
A free and open society is the bedrock of development and only a positive disposition to the media can engender such process.
