Joy FM’s Super Morning Show host, Kojo Yankson, has strongly criticised the treatment of journalists in the country, particularly in the wake of this year’s World Press Freedom Day, which was observed over the weekend.
Speaking on the show on Monday, May 5, he raised concerns on how some journalists were treated in the past in the country, saying, “Why do you think it’s acceptable for a journalist to be beaten for making a mistake? In fact, the painful truth is that the journalists being attacked are not making mistakes—they are being beaten in the normal course of their duties. Yet, in this country, we have lawmakers and even individuals aspiring to be president who have openly called for journalists to be beaten. They have incited the public to ‘find the journalist and beat him’ simply because they did not like what he did.”
“Look, without us, you are blind; you are deaf. You would know nothing, you would hear nothing. The whole world would pass you by. That’s how important press freedom is to you,” he added.
“Do you beat your doctor when he fails to cure you?” he asked and argued that it is unacceptable to attack journalists when they go wrong.
“If you’re wondering what it would be like to live in a world without the media, there would be absolute silence. You would know nothing—the only knowledge you’d have access to would be what you’re taught in school,” he argued.
His comments reflect a growing concern about the safety of journalists who continue to face threats, harassment, and violence in the course of their work.
In 2023, The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) reported that at least 14 incidents of attacks on media houses have been recorded in Ghana in the past decade, with only one receiving redress.
According to the report, the disturbing trend of invasions of media house premises, including by armed men, destruction of studio equipment, violent disruption of transmission, assault and intimidation of presenters and guests was tracked from 2014-2023.
Several journalists have, over the years, faced threats and physical attacks. JoyNews’ Latif Iddrisu was not spared five years ago. Latif Iddrisu continues to fight for justice.
Read also: 8 years, no justice: Latif Iddrisu’s case against IGP to drag into 2026
Mr. Yankson urged the public to prioritise the safety of media personnel, recognising that without press freedom, the ability to hold power to account and to inform the public is severely compromised.
“Nobody else will do it if we don’t, so support us and secure and protect our freedom so that we can do it for you,” he emphasised.
As the media continues to be a vital pillar of democracy, Kojo Yankson’s comments serve as a timely reminder of the importance of protecting those who inform and shape public discourse.
The theme for this year’s World Press Freedom Day is “Reporting in the Brave New World – The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media.”
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DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
