Ghana’s 2024 Elections: Accra, Ghana – Investigative journalist Edward Adeti has been in hiding since 2019, when he published a story exposing corruption involving a Chinese mining company, a judge, and a government minister. After the story’s publication, Adeti received death threats, forcing him and his family to flee their home. His house was later ransacked by unknown intruders.
“It’s very unsafe doing this job in Ghana,” said Adeti. “I have to disguise myself before I can step out.”
According to the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), there were 45 documented cases of attacks against journalists from 2019-2023. This includes the 2019 murder of investigative journalist Ahmed Suale, who worked with renowned undercover reporter Anas Aremeyaw Anas.
In 2022 and 2023, Ghana dropped in the annual press freedom rankings by Reporters Without Borders, reflecting the increasingly dangerous climate for journalists.
The most recent case occurred in October 2022, when opposition supporters assaulted Citi FM reporter Akosua Otchere while she covered an event at their party office. Her phone was also seized.
As Ghana gears up for general elections in 2024, concerns mount that attacks on the press could compromise the integrity of the democratic process by denying citizens access to independent reporting.
While Ghana’s two main political parties have denounced violence against journalists, press freedom advocates say concrete government action has been lacking. Prosecutions related to attacks on journalists rarely occur.
According to the GJA’s secretary-general Kofi Yeboah, “In the run-up to 2024, it is important we address these issues now…We don’t want to have a situation which will go beyond control.”
Some observers warn that intimidation is causing journalists to abandon critical investigative reporting in favor of public relations.
“If nothing is done, it’s really going to affect the ability of the media to cover the elections effectively,” said Muheeb Saeed of the Media Foundation for West Africa.
Ghana’s 2024 Elections: Meanwhile, Adeti remains in hiding four years after exposing high-level corruption. “I feel tracked. I feel stuck,” he said. “When I get into the room and I lock the door behind myself, I see it as another miracle; I’ve survived another day.”
Source Season of intimidation: Attacks on Ghana press escalate ahead of 2024 polls