By Rebecca Ampah
The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has assured its members of enhanced safety measures ahead of the upcoming Akwatia by-election.
Speaking on the GTV Breakfast Show, the General Secretary of the Association, Dominic Hlordzi, said the GJA has been engaging media house leaders as well as the Ghana Police Service to ensure journalists are well protected before, during and after the polls.
“The IGP has assured us of protection, and we hope to see that happen,” Hlordzi emphasised.
According to him, the GJA is working closely with editors and media managers to train journalists on how to conduct themselves professionally in the field to avoid confrontations that could expose them to attacks.
“For a long time, we have not had the IGP and his team meet the GJA leadership to ensure journalists’ safety. This time, we are deepening our relationship with the police to guarantee that protection,” he noted.
Hlordzi further revealed that the police had welcomed proposals for joint training sessions between journalists and officers to build mutual understanding during elections. “They have also suggested the development of guidelines and protocols that will clearly define the lines both police and journalists must not cross during such events,” he added.
He disclosed that communication platforms have already been created to keep journalists and police in constant touch before and during the Akwatia by-election to swiftly address emerging concerns.
This comes after the IGP and his team met the GJA at the Press Centre to discuss measures for the safety and protection of journalists during election coverage.
