Police consider special protection for journalists

General News of Saturday, February 9, 2019

Source: 3news.com

2019-02-09

Ghana's police are finalizing a political document that aims to protect journalists while covering police operations.

This stems from alleged police brutality against media personnel in the performance of his duties.

In recent years, the police have been strongly criticized for the brutality allegedly suffered by journalists across the country.

In response to this, the police administration has taken steps to protect journalists while covering police operations.

A policy document has been drafted to recognize the safety of journalists in the performance of their duties.

ACP David Eklu, director general in charge of Public Affairs in the Ghana Police Force, addressed the media in Kumasi, claiming that the attack of a journalist was an attack on the representatives of the people .

"The police administration disapproves of attacks on journalists. Even if you are not parliamentarians, you represent the different shades of opinion in the country.

"Like any other Ghanaian needs protection, the media need special protection because of their work," he hinted.

ACP Eklu said the police would work with leaders of the media industry to provide a framework to ensure the safety of journalists with regard to police operations.

"The police must respect and identify the role of the journalist in the promotion of democracy, and the journalist must also recognize the procedures and the role of the police in the service of the national interest."

Journalists have been asked to always reveal their identities to the police when they go to the scene of a violent scene to avoid any misunderstanding and any attack.

Ashanti, regional president of the Ghana Journalists Association, Kingsley Hope, has pleaded with the police to ensure that journalists enjoy maximum security in the performance of their duties.

He also advised journalists to watch for safety when they cover violent missions.