Omanghana
The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has strongly condemned the alleged assault on Obaatanpa Radio producer Bernard Mireku and the reported forceful closure of the radio station in Kasoa, describing the incident as a direct attack on press freedom and Ghana’s democratic principles.
In a statement issued on June 28, 2026, the association expressed deep concern over the events, insisting that the attack was not only directed at one media house but at the entire journalism profession.
“This is an attack on all of us,” the GJA declared, warning that acts of intimidation and violence against journalists undermine media independence and threaten the country’s democratic credentials.
According to the GJA and management of Obaatanpa Radio, the incident occurred after a morning programme discussed internal political disagreements and relationship issues within the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Awutu Senya East Constituency.
The association alleged that Dr. Richard Kofi Asiedu, the NDC’s Central Regional Chairman, and Seth Serwonoo Banini, the Municipal Chief Executive for Awutu Senya East, arrived at the station accompanied by a group of individuals.
The group allegedly confronted members of the station’s staff over the content of the broadcast, leading to a heated altercation.
The GJA stated that during the confrontation, the station’s morning show host and producer, Bernard Mireku, was subjected to verbal abuse before allegedly being physically assaulted.
According to the association, the group subsequently entered the studio while the programme was still on air, switched off the station’s transmission equipment, ordered employees to vacate the premises, and locked the building.
The actions reportedly forced Obaatanpa Radio off the air, disrupting scheduled programming and temporarily halting its operations.
The association described the incident as an alarming attempt to silence independent journalism through intimidation rather than lawful means.
The GJA has called on the Ghana Police Service to launch a swift, comprehensive, and impartial investigation into the incident and ensure that anyone found responsible is prosecuted, regardless of their political affiliation or public office.
The association stressed that the rule of law must prevail and that no individual should be allowed to take the law into their own hands because of dissatisfaction with media coverage.
A formal complaint has already been lodged with the Central East Regional Police Command, while management of Obaatanpa Radio has indicated that it intends to provide CCTV footage from the station to assist investigators.
Beyond criminal investigations, the GJA is also demanding political accountability from the leadership of the National Democratic Congress.
The association has urged the party to publicly condemn the alleged actions of the individuals implicated in the incident, issue an apology to Obaatanpa Radio, and institute disciplinary measures if investigations confirm the allegations.
According to the GJA, political leaders have a responsibility to promote tolerance and respect for media freedom, especially in a democratic society where journalists play a critical role in holding public officials accountable.
The association reiterated that individuals, political parties, and institutions who believe they have been treated unfairly by media organizations should pursue legal and constitutional avenues for redress.
It emphasized that grievances over media reports should be referred to bodies such as the National Media Commission or addressed through the courts, rather than through intimidation, violence, or the disruption of broadcasting operations.
The GJA warned that attacks on journalists and media organizations create a climate of fear that threatens freedom of expression and weakens democratic governance.
The association concluded by reaffirming its commitment to defending press freedom and protecting journalists from harassment, calling on state institutions to ensure that those responsible for any unlawful acts are held fully accountable.
Source: Omanghana
