The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Tema Regional Chapter has strongly condemned an attack on one of its members, Mr Augustine Ahiabor, a reporter for the Angel Broadcasting Network in Ashaiman.

In a statement issued by the Association and signed by Mrs Emma Dzifa Tetteh Tay, Tema Regional Chairperson, it was revealed that Mr Ahiabor had been covering the collapse of a private toilet facility in Ashaiman Lebanon Zone 2 on May 25, 2023.

The statement explained that during his coverage, Mr Ahiabor incurred the anger of certain individuals in the community, who proceeded to attack him. The attack was led by an elderly man and his son, with other residents joining in.

The assailants compelled the reporter to delete the video footage he had captured and subjected him to physical assault. They also damaged his cell phone.

The GJA reported the incident to the Ashaiman District Police Command, and the officers assured them and Mr Ahiabor of a thorough investigation. The aim is to apprehend all those responsible for the attack and bring them to justice through the court system.

The Association emphasized the importance of not attacking journalists but rather appreciating their work and granting them the respect they deserve in the course of their duties.

The statement asserted, “Even when community members feel aggrieved by the work of journalists, they must resort to lawful means to seek redress instead of taking matters into their own hands. It is worth reiterating that journalism is not a crime, and the GJA unequivocally condemns the attack on Augustine Ahiabor.”