Accra: The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has called on factions involved in longstanding conflicts in various parts of the country, particularly in Bawku and Nkwanta, to cease hostilities and engage in dialogue to secure lasting peace in these areas.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, President of the GJA, addressed a news conference in Accra, expressing concern over the increasing insecurity in areas such as Bawku in the Upper East Region, Nkwanta in the Oti Region, Ashaiman in the Greater Accra Region, and Asawase in the Ashanti Region. He condemned the ongoing acts of lawlessness and violence that have resulted in loss of lives, displacement of residents, and disruption of socio-economic activities. Mr. Dwumfour urged all parties to restrain from violence and work towards peace.
He emphasized the importance of dialogue and peaceful coexistence, urging individuals and groups behind the disturbances to lay down their arms. While recognizing the efforts of security agencies in managing the volatile situations, the GJA President called for more proactive measures to prevent such clashes. He highlighted the need for the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana Armed Forces, and regional and district security councils to adopt a proactive and intelligence-led approach to conflict prevention and resolution.
Mr. Dwumfour also appealed to the National Security and the Interior Ministry to engage more with local stakeholders, traditional authorities, youth groups, and civil society to address the root causes of the disturbances and achieve lasting peace. He commended the government's directive to transition from peacekeeping to peace enforcement in Bawku, stating it was necessary to stop the loss of lives, stabilize the community, and restore order.
Furthermore, Mr. Dwumfour cautioned the media against exacerbating the conflict through disinformation, hate speech, and incitement of violence. He advised journalists to be cautious, accurate, and sensitive in their reporting, emphasizing the need for truth, fairness, and national unity. He warned that the Association would not defend any media organization that fails to adhere to professional ethics.
The GJA President reiterated the importance of media responsibility alongside media freedom, asserting that the Association would not protect any journalist who breaches ethical standards or violates national security laws under the guise of press freedom.
