The West African Journalists Association (WAJA) has condemned the killing in Ghana of journalist Ahmed Husein Suale and said it holds Ghanaian authorities responsible for the death of the journalist.
Ahmed was shot dead in his car by two unknown gunmen riding on a motorcycle on 16 January in a suburban community of the capital, Accra.
WAJA President Peter Quaqua said: “We are shocked and bemused that a ranking member of government, parliamentarian Kennedy Agyapong, publicly threatened and incited violence against the journalist in a television broadcast on May 30, 2018 and this big man is allowed to carry on normal life without any action? This is simply a travesty of justice in the country considered an inspiration of freedom and democracy in West Africa.”
Agyapong is heard in a TV broadcast that has now gone on the internet, “I’m telling you, beat him; whatever happens, I’ll pay because he’s bad…” This lawmaker is referring to Ahmed Suale and the government refused to protect the journalist.
The CJP quotes Ahmed as saying “Since my image was published and [the] public incited against me, many people have attempted to attack me;” He told the CPJ via WhatsApp: “These criminals after us are people who are … associated with powers that be in Ghana and can do anything and get away with it.”
Ahmed was a member of Tiger Eye Private Investigations, a team of investigative journalists led by award-winning journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas, who in the middle of 2018, unearthed widespread corruption in African football which resulted in the resignation of the president of Ghana FA, Kwesi Nyantakyi. Dozens of football referees and officials in several countries were also banned as a result of the investigation, including the Nigerian national team coach, Salisu Yusuf.
“The government of President Nana Akufo-Addo must redeem itself by resolving this killing promptly, as it sends a scary and shameful message not only to the sub-region, but the rest of the world that Ghana is in a reverse gear less than a year after hosting the global celebration of World Press Freedom Day in Accra,” observed WAJA President Peter Quaqua.
In the meantime, WAJA extends profound condolences and solidarity to its affiliate, the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) and to the immediate families of the slain journalist in this period of grief and pain.
“Our hearts are all united in pushing for justice to be served in this horrifying crime. Journalism is here to stay no matter what,” added Mr. Quaqua.
WAJA represents all Journalists Associations/Unions in West Africa. For further inquiry, contact: pqua31@yahoo.com/(231) 886529611