The Ghana Journalists Association has condemned recent police invitations and interrogations of journalists, describing the development as a threat to media freedom.
Mr Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, President of the Association, expressed the concern at a press briefing at the Ghana International Press Centre in Accra.
He said while the Association recognised the mandate of the Ghana Police Service to investigate matters of public interest, it was worried about a growing pattern that could create fear within the media landscape.
Mr Dwumfour said on February 11, 2026, the Police Criminal Investigations Department invited some journalists over alleged publication of false news, despite the matter being pursued in court as a civil case.
He said another journalist reported that following a police invitation on February 24, 2026, he was questioned over publications in his newspaper and asked to respond to unsubstantiated allegations, including claims of extortion involving an unnamed third party.
Mr Dwumfour said despite requests for clarity and evidence, investigators failed to provide details to substantiate the claims.
“More concerning is the claim that, under an ex-parte court order, the investigator proceeded to seize the journalist’s working tools, including a mobile phone, under unclear circumstances and without proper documentation.
“The journalist maintains that these actions were carried out on suspicion of an unspecified offence, raising serious concerns about due process and the protection of journalistic work,” he said.
He said such actions amounted to intimidation of journalists in the discharge of their duties.
Mr Dwumfour urged public officials who felt defamed to seek redress in the courts rather than use security agencies to intimidate journalists.
He said that as public servants, officials were subject to scrutiny, and journalists had a duty to report on their activities in the national interest.
