The Obuasi Press Corps (OPC) in a press release, has condemned the actions of two unknown assailants who attacked the reporter for Angel FM/TV, Chukwu Joseph last Thursday night. They termed the attack as “regrettable” and “a dent on the promise of a new dawn of freedom for the press corps in Ghana.”
Read the full statement below:
Obuasi Press Corps (OPC)
Press Release
Obuasi Press Corps Condemns Attack on Angel FM/TV Reporter, Chukwu Joseph
The Obuasi Press Corps (OPC) strongly condemns the attack on Angel FM/TV reporter, Chukwu Joseph, and demands that the security agencies double their efforts to bring the criminal perpetrators of this dastardly act to book.
On Thursday June 22nd 2017, Mr Chuwku Joseph was attacked by some unknown assailants as he was returning home from a visit to OFM around 8:30pm. As he headed towards home two heavily built men accosted him and without provocation started assaulting him. As they beat him up, one of them said “hey you Chukwu stand there. Are you the one sending those foolish reports to Angel FM right?”
In the process of beating him up they smashed his Samsung Galaxy S7 mobile phone and his laptop, destroying them in the process. He has since reported the case to the Tutuka Divisional Police Command.
The Obuasi Press Corps wishes to state that the attack on Chukwu is both regrettable and an affront to our democracy. It is a dent on the reputation of Ghana as a beacon of press freedom in the world. It is also a violation of the constitutional provisions that guarantee the freedom and independence of the media and failure to adequately address it will be tantamount to condoning impunity.
We are observing a disturbing trend of attacks on the press in Obuasi. It will be recalled that on the 12th of April 2016 a group of journalists who had formed a coalition known as “Obuasi Must Not Die” were attacked and chased out of a proposed press conference by heavily armed illegal miners at Champion Maclean joint. More than a year on, no single arrest has been made.
It is refreshing to note that the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has repeatedly assured journalists and the public of his government’s commitment to protect journalists and promote freedom of speech.
Now is the time for law enforcement agencies to put the President’s words to action by arresting and prosecuting people who attack journalists who go about their normal duties.
We particularly call on the Divisional and the District Police Command to help facilitate swift investigation into the attack on Mr. Joseph Chukwu. Nothing but justice should be served.
The recent unfortunate lynching of Major Maxwell Mahama should be enough grounds to say *NO* to any form of unwarranted attacks. We have absolute confidence and trust in the law enforcement agencies to help bring the perpetrators to book.
The Obuasi Press Corps will like to assure the people of Obuasi and beyond that even in the face of these unwarranted attacks we still remain committed to executing our constitutional mandate. Nothing can dissuade us from this noble task.
Signed
Mensah Justice Dzivon (2008001806/ 0249267728)
Ag. Secretary, Obuasi Press Corps
Prince Kwame Aboagye (0249775522)
Ag. Public Relations Officer.