The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) in the North East Region has issued a strong advisory to media practitioners to exercise caution and prioritise their safety following the imposition of a curfew in the Nalerigu township and its surrounding areas.
In a press release on Sunday (27 July) the regional branch of the GJA responded to the Ministry of the Interior’s announcement of a curfew from 2:00pm to 6:00am in the area, citing growing insecurity and tensions.
The statement, signed by North East Regional Chairman Mohammed Fugu, called on journalists to remain professional and avoid actions that could exacerbate the fragile security situation.
“While it is important to report the news and keep the public informed, journalists are strongly advised to take their personal safety and security seriously at all times,” the GJA noted.
The association encouraged all media workers to be “security conscious” in their movements, interactions, and coverage during this tense period.
Journalists working beyond the curfew hours have been advised to engage the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) to secure curfew passes that would allow them to operate lawfully and without interference.
The GJA also urged media house owners to take responsibility for the safety of their employees, urging them to provide both logistical support and moral encouragement.
The statement comes amid rising security concerns in parts of the North East Region, particularly Nalerigu, which has seen a recent surge in violence, prompting the government to enforce emergency security measures.
The association also appealed to its members to report any acts of violence, threats, or harassment they may encounter in the line of duty, assuring them of the GJA’s support and intervention.
“We count on the cooperation of all journalists in maintaining peace and stability during this period,” the statement concluded.
The curfew remains in force as security agencies continue to monitor the situation closely.
Read the GJA’s full statement here:
PRESS RELEASE
July 27, 2025
GJA-NORTH EAST BRANCH ADMONISHES JOURNALISTS TO PRIORITISE SAFETY AMID INSECURITY, CURFEW IN NALERIGU TOWNSHIP
The North East Regional Branch of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has taken note of the imposition of a curfew from 2:00 PM to 6:00 AM on Nalerigu Township and its environs, as announced by the Ministry of the Interior on Sunday, following heightened insecurity in the area.
In light of this development, the GJA urges all journalists and media practitioners operating within the affected areas to exercise utmost caution and professionalism in their reportage to avoid escalating the situation.
While it is important to report the news and keep the public informed, journalists are strongly advised to take their personal safety and security seriously at all times. Be security conscious in your movements, engagements, and reporting, especially during these tense moments.
We further advise all journalists to strictly comply with the curfew directive. Those who are required to work during curfew hours should immediately liaise with the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) to obtain the necessary curfew passes that will enable them to carry out their duties without obstruction.
Media house owners are also encouraged to prioritize the safety and well-being of their staff and provide the necessary logistical and moral support to ensure they operate safely and responsibly.
The GJA also calls on its members to promptly report any challenges, threats, acts of violence, or attacks against them to the association for appropriate redress and action.
We count on the cooperation of all journalists in maintaining peace and stability during this period.
Stay safe. Remain professional. Uphold journalistic ethics.
Thank you.
Signed:
Mohammed Fugu
Chairman, North East Regional Branch of GJA
