The Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) has strongly condemned an incident where a Ghanaian sports journalist and SWAG member, Mr. was assaulted by one of the security personnel of the Black Stars team during their camp in the United States of America (USA) before the international friendly match with Mexico last Saturday.
SWAG expressed its deep disappointment in the unprovoked attack on Mr. Adamu by an overzealous security official in the lobby of the team’s hotel.
The incident is even more perplexing as it happened shortly after Mr. Adamu had exchanged pleasantries with high-ranking officials from the Ghana Football Association (GFA), including the FA’s President, Mr. Kurt Simeon-Okraku, and the General Secretary, Mr. Prosper Harrison Addo, in the presence of other Ghanaian journalists.
Following the incident, SWAG President, Mr. Kwabena Yeboah, promptly engaged with some GFA leaders to express his strong protest and seek a resolution to the matter. Mr. Yeboah also emphasized the need for the GFA leadership to hold the security official accountable, as this wasn’t the first time he had been involved in such aggressive behavior towards journalists in the course of their work.
While condemning the attack on Mr. Adamu, SWAG commended the GFA President and General Secretary for taking the matter seriously and requiring the security official to issue a public apology to Mr. Adamu in front of the team’s officials at the camp.
SWAG welcomed the assurances by the GFA leadership to take preventative measures against future incidents that violate the fundamental rights of journalists to express themselves freely and work in an environment free from intimidation.
SWAG, in its statement, urged the Ghana Football Association, which includes members of SWAG within its leadership, to take practical steps to demonstrate greater tolerance for diverse perspectives and promote a more cooperative relationship between the two organizations. A harmonious partnership is vital for journalists to work without fear of attack or intimidation, as both SWAG and the FA share a common interest in advancing football in Ghana.
SWAG reassured Mr. Adamu and all its members of their commitment to defending their constitutionally guaranteed freedom of expression and ensuring their protection in the line of duty. The association’s leadership will continue engaging with relevant stakeholders to create an environment where journalists can operate freely and without fear of attack.