The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr George Akuffo Dampare, has served notice that those who assaulted the Dagbon FM radio host, Abubakari Sadiq Gariba, while on air will be arrested and prosecuted.
Reports say Gariba was assaulted on live radio by a former Northern regional communications officer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Hardi Pagazaa and another man on Wednesday (3 May).
Dampare spoke with Gariba on Friday (5 May) and gave him the assurance that the police will pick up the suspects and “bring them to face justice.”
Meanwhile, the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has condemned the alleged attack on Gariba.
“We unreservedly condemn this primitive act,” the GJA said in a statement released on Thursday. “This cowardly act must not have a space in this modern day and age.”
The GJA said it has reported the case to the police “to ensure justice for Sidiq Abubakari Gariba.”
“We call on all media houses in the region to henceforth cease entertaining Hardi Pagazaa on their networks.
“We wish to assure all journalists in the region that the GJA is solidly behind them in the performance of their duties, and will always go to any lengths to defend them,” the statement added.
“We are not in a lawless state where anyone, who feels offended, can take the laws into his or her hands. We, once again, urge the public to resort to appropriate procedures to seek remedy regarding media publications concerning them.”
Government reacts
The government has also condemned the act and “urges the Ghana police and relevant agencies to investigate and prosecute the perpetrators.”
A statement issued by the Information Ministry said “attacks on journalists should not be countenanced.”
“Severe and speedy response from law enforcement agencies is necessary to prevent copy-cat acts and maintain Ghana’s status in upholding press freedom,” the statement said.
Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, the Information Minister, has had a phone conversation with the journalist and has “offered the support of the ministry if he will require any,” the statement added.
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