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Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), has given notice that anyone found guilty of assaulting Abubakari Sadiq Gariba, a radio host for Dagbon FM, while he was live on air, will be detained and charged.
According to reports, Hardi Pagazaa, a former Northern regional communications officer for the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), and another man attacked Gariba on live radio on May 3.
On Friday, May 5, Dampare called with Gariba and assured him that the police will apprehend the suspects and “bring them to face justice.”
In the meantime, the alleged assault on Gariba has been denounced by the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA).
“We unreservedly condemn this primitive act,” the GJA said in a statement released on Thursday. “This cowardly act must not have a space in this modern day and age.”
The GJA said it has reported the case to the police “to ensure justice for Sidiq Abubakari Gariba.”
“We call on all media houses in the region to henceforth cease entertaining Hardi Pagazaa on their networks.
“We wish to assure all journalists in the region that the GJA is solidly behind them in the performance of their duties, and will always go to any lengths to defend them,” the statement added.
The incident was denounced by the government, which “urges the Ghana police and relevant agencies to investigate and prosecute the perpetrators.”
The Information Ministry stated in a statement that “attacks on journalists should not be countenanced.”
According to the statement, “severe and swift intervention from law enforcement agencies is necessary to prevent copycat acts and maintain Ghana’s status in upholding press freedom.”
In a phone discourse with the journalist, Information Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah “offered the support of the ministry if he will require any,” the statement read.
Source: Ghanatodayonline.com
