The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Central Regional Branch, has called on the leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to take disciplinary action against any party officials found responsible for the alleged assault on an Obatanpa Radio producer and the reported temporary closure of the Kasoa-based station.
The call follows an alleged incident involving Mr. Bernard Mireku, a producer with Obatanpa Radio, after the station aired commentary on internal issues within the NDC in the Awutu Senya East Constituency.
In a statement issued on June 28, 2026, and signed by the Central Regional Chairman of the GJA, Kingsley Nana Buadu, the Association described the alleged attack as a serious affront to press freedom and media independence.
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According to the GJA, reports indicating the involvement of the NDC Central Regional Chairman, Mr. Richard Asiedu, the Municipal Chief Executive for Awutu Senya East, Mr. Seth Banini, and others, if established through investigations, would constitute a grave violation of Ghana’s democratic principles.
The Association urged the NDC’s national and regional leadership to publicly condemn the incident, apologise to Mr. Mireku, Obatanpa Radio and the wider media fraternity, and ensure that any party officials found culpable are sanctioned.
“The leadership of the NDC must demonstrate its commitment to democratic values by taking decisive disciplinary action against anyone within the party found to have participated in acts of intimidation or violence against journalists,” the statement said.
The GJA maintained that media freedom is protected under Article 162 of the 1992 Constitution and stressed that journalists must be allowed to perform their constitutional duties without fear, intimidation or political interference.
It also called on the Ghana Police Service to conduct a swift, impartial and thorough investigation into the allegations and prosecute all persons found culpable, irrespective of their political affiliation or public office.
The Association reminded political parties and public officials that grievances over media content should be addressed through lawful channels, including exercising the right of reply, petitioning the National Media Commission or the GJA, or seeking legal redress through the courts.
It emphasised that violence, threats, intimidation and attempts to shut down media organisations undermine democratic governance and threaten the public’s constitutional right to information.
While pledging to continue defending journalists against unlawful attacks, the GJA also urged media practitioners to uphold the highest standards of professionalism by ensuring accuracy, fairness, balance and ethical reporting.
The Association reaffirmed its solidarity with the management and staff of Obatanpa Radio, insisting that an attack on one journalist is an attack on the entire media fraternity and the constitutional freedoms guaranteed to all Ghanaians.
It further appealed to all political actors to exercise tolerance, respect press freedom and resolve disputes through lawful and democratic means.