The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has sounded a strong warning over increasing intimidation and threats directed at media professionals reporting on the long-running Bawku conflict, cautioning that the trend endangers press freedom, social stability and national security.

Speaking at a media briefing, GJA President Albert Dwumfuor said the Association is deeply concerned about reports of death threats, inflammatory messages and planned attacks against journalists operating in the Upper East Region. He noted that particular attention has been drawn to threats targeting the Upper East Regional Chairman of the GJA, Albert Sore, in connection with his coverage of the conflict.

Mr Dwumfuor described the threats as unlawful and extremely dangerous, stressing that they pose a direct risk not only to journalists but also to the wider peace and security of the country.

He explained that reporters covering the Bawku situation have been branded adversaries, subjected to sustained online harassment and targeted through social media posts, audio recordings and other digital channels. According to him, the climate of hostility and fear could quickly spiral into physical attacks if swift preventive measures are not taken.

The GJA President revealed that the Association has received a comprehensive account from Mr Sore, detailing how a routine professional engagement was deliberately misrepresented by anonymous individuals to provoke hostility and issue direct threats against him and other journalists.

He added that such incidents are not isolated, noting that media practitioners covering the Bawku conflict have previously faced similar intimidation, which he described as a worrying pattern aimed at suppressing independent reporting.

Although some engagement has been held with the Upper East Regional Police Command, the GJA said the persistence of the threats indicates that current security arrangements fall short. The Association is therefore demanding enhanced police protection, prompt investigations, and the arrest and prosecution of all persons involved in threatening journalists or encouraging violence.

Mr Dwumfuor warned that any attack on a journalist, especially after threats have been formally reported, would amount to a serious lapse in protection and accountability.

He also disclosed that the National Executive of the Association has officially written to the Inspector-General of Police, urging immediate action to address the threats facing journalists in the region.

Emphasising that journalists are performing a constitutional responsibility in the public interest, the GJA has declared the Bawku conflict area an early alert zone for media safety. The Association is calling for increased security presence, preventive measures and sustained engagement with journalists working in the area.

Mr Dwumfuor concluded that the GJA will resist any wait-and-see approach, warning that an attack on any journalist in the Upper East Region will trigger continuous local and international advocacy until justice is served.

The Bawku conflict remains one of Ghana’s most delicate security concerns, with the media playing a crucial role in keeping the public informed amid ongoing tensions.