The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has set a deadline of March 2025 for the Ghana Police Service to make significant progress in the investigation of Ahmed Suale’s murder. If satisfactory action is not taken by then, the GJA plans to take the case to the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice to seek justice. At a press conference held on January 22, 2025, GJA President Albert Kwabena Dwumfour expressed deep frustration over the six-year delay in resolving the murder case of Ahmed Suale, an investigative journalist who was killed on January 16, 2019. He emphasized that the lack of arrests and the slow pace of police investigations represent a failure of the justice system and undermine journalist safety in Ghana.
- Call for Action
Dwumfour urged key authorities, including the Inspector-General of Police and the Attorney-General, to take a more active role in the investigation. He highlighted the disheartening nature of the police’s response, particularly in light of recent claims by MP Kwame Asare-Obeng, who alleged he had provided information about Suale’s suspected killers to the police. - Context of the Case
Ahmed Suale was a member of the Tiger Eye PI team and played a crucial role in the “Number 12” exposé, which revealed corruption in Ghanaian football. Despite assurances from various officials, no one has been prosecuted for his murder, raising concerns about the commitment to justice for journalists in the country. - Wider Implications
The GJA also plans to address other unresolved cases of attacks on journalists, including the assaults on Latif Iddrisu and Ohemeng Tawiah. These incidents reflect a troubling culture of impunity against media practitioners in Ghana, which the GJA is determined to combat. - Next Steps
If the police fail to provide a satisfactory update by the end of March 2025, the GJA will escalate the matter to the ECOWAS Court of Justice. This move underscores the association’s commitment to ensuring accountability and justice for journalists, as well as its broader mission to defend media freedom in Ghana.
