EX TV GH People Matter
Accra, August 29, 2025 — The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has strongly condemned what it described as “reckless and dangerous” comments by the General Secretary of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), Dr. David Tenkorang-Twum, in which he suggested that journalists had been “marked” and would be “shown” when they visit public hospitals.
Speaking at a press conference at the Ghana International Press Centre on Friday, GJA President Albert Kwabena Dwumfour said the remarks, captured during a June 2025 interview on Neat FM, amounted to veiled threats against journalists and posed a serious risk to press freedom and safety.
“This is not a mere slip of tongue; it is a blatant threat of violence against journalists in Ghana. To declare that journalists have been ‘marked’ and will be ‘shown’ is intimidation and an attempt to instil fear. The GJA will not sit idle while the safety and lives of journalists are put on the line,” Mr. Dwumfour said.
GJA’s Demands
The Association has given Dr. Tenkorang-Twum five days to:
Retract his comments,
Issue a public apology to journalists, and
Commit never to issue such threats again.
Failure to comply, the GJA warned, would trigger formal petitions to the National Media Commission (NMC), the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), and international watchdogs such as the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ).
The Association further called on the leadership of the GRNMA to publicly distance itself from the comments, stressing that silence would be seen as complicity. It also urged the Ministry of Health, the government, and security agencies to assure journalists of safety in hospitals.
Ethical Concerns Over Media Conduct
While condemning Dr. Tenkorang-Twum’s remarks, the GJA also criticised sections of the media for unethical reportage. Some outlets circulated the June video after a recent incident at Ridge Hospital, misleading audiences into believing it was linked to that case.
The Association described this as a violation of its Code of Ethics, citing failures in context, fact-checking, and accuracy. “Such conduct amounts to disinformation. It undermines public trust in journalism and damages the credibility of our profession,” the GJA stressed.
Akwatia By-Election: Call for Professionalism
Beyond the standoff with the GRNMA, the GJA expressed concern about heavy military presence in Akwatia ahead of Tuesday’s by-election, warning that security arrangements must not intimidate voters.
The Association urged journalists covering the polls to adhere strictly to professional ethics, avoid provocative conduct, and ensure fair and accurate reporting. It also called on media houses to provide reporters with adequate safety equipment and risk management support.
The GJA said it would hold the police and security agencies accountable for the safety of journalists at the polls and reminded the Ghana Armed Forces of their overdue promise to release findings into the assault of JoyNews reporter Carlos Calony by a soldier on the Spintex Road.
“Journalism Is Not a Crime”
Concluding, Mr. Dwumfour reaffirmed that threats against journalists are threats against democracy.
“Journalists are not enemies of nurses and midwives. The media has often championed their welfare. Any attack on a journalist is an attack on democracy itself. Journalism is not a crime — and journalists must be treated as partners in democracy, not as targets of intimidation,” he said.
Ex TV Staff
