Journalists must be able to report on matters of public interest without fear of violence – NAPO

Former Vice-Presidential candidate Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh has called for stronger action against attacks on journalists, insisting that media practitioners must be able to ask difficult questions and perform their duties without intimidation.

Former New Patriotic Party (NPP) running mate Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as NAPO, has called on stakeholders to demonstrate a firm commitment to ending impunity for crimes against journalists in Ghana.

In a statement posted on his Facebook page on Monday, November 2, 2026, to mark the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, he expressed concern that the country was increasingly experiencing impunity for offences committed against journalists and other media practitioners.

He said journalists must be allowed to investigate issues, ask difficult questions and report on matters of public interest without fear of violence or intimidation.

Dr Opoku Prempeh noted that disagreements over media reports should not lead to threats or attacks against journalists, adding that individuals and institutions have legitimate ways of challenging inaccurate reporting.

Attacks must be investigated

He urged authorities to ensure that attacks against journalists are thoroughly investigated and that those responsible are held accountable.

He also called for victims and their families to have access to justice, stressing that the safety of media practitioners should not depend on whether their reporting favours or offends particular individuals, political parties or institutions.

According to him, political leaders and other public figures have a responsibility to uphold press freedom, particularly when journalists scrutinise their actions or those of their political organisations.

GJA calls for accountability

NAPO’s comments came as the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) renewed calls for accountability in cases involving assaults on media practitioners.

GJA President Albert Kwabena Dwumfour urged the Attorney-General and prosecutorial authorities to prioritise cases involving attacks on journalists. He also called on security institutions to cooperate with investigations and ensure that personnel found culpable are sanctioned.

The Association has maintained that journalists perform an important public service and should not be treated as adversaries by state institutions.

International focus on ending impunity

The International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists is observed annually on November 2 to draw attention to attacks on media workers and the need to bring perpetrators to justice.

In a joint statement marking the 2026 observance, the African Union Commission and the Federation of African Journalists highlighted threats including physical attacks, arbitrary detention, intimidation, legal harassment and digital abuse.

They urged governments to strengthen protection mechanisms, investigate attacks and ensure that those responsible face justice.

NAPO’s appeal adds to renewed calls in Ghana and across the continent for journalists to work safely and independently, without violence or reprisals for carrying out their professional responsibilities.