GJA condemns alleged attacks on journalists during La Pleasure Beach demolitions

The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has strongly denounced alleged assaults on journalists reporting on demolition activities at La Pleasure Beach and Laboma Beach, urging swift accountability from security forces implicated. At the inauguration of the 30th GJA Media Awards in Accra, GJA President Albert Kwabena Dwumfour expressed concern over reported instances of assault, harassment, and intimidation of journalists while diligently carrying out their professional responsibilities.

He highlighted particular accusations surrounding journalists covering demolitions at both Laboma Beach and La Pleasure Beach, where the Ghana Armed Forces were reportedly engaged. Dwumfour emphasized the necessity for journalists to conduct their work without fear, stressing that security operations should not serve as a justification for infringing upon media professionals fulfilling their constitutional duty to inform the public.

The Association has granted the Ghana Armed Forces a two-week window to furnish a thorough report of its investigations and outline any disciplinary measures taken against personnel deemed responsible. The recent controversies stem from demolition exercises conducted at these beachfront sites. In September, a government-led post-flood mitigation task force comprising the 48 Engineer Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces and the Police Service carried out operations at Laboma Beach to dismantle structures allegedly located within the buffer zone of the Kpeshie Lagoon.

Concurrently, at La Pleasure Beach, a separate clearance operation commenced on October 2, involving personnel from the 48 Engineer Regiment and the Police. Numerous structures, businesses, and facilities were demolished, with National Security overseeing the process. The demolitions have sparked debates over the conduct of the exercises, with critics pointing to insufficient prior consultations with affected parties.

The GJA asserts that it anticipates the Ghana Armed Forces to account for the alleged treatment of journalists and present the results of its investigations within the set timeframe.