GJA gives authorities March ultimatum for action on Ahmed Suale murder

The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has issued an ultimatum to authorities, demanding a significant update on the investigation into the killing of investigative journalist Ahmed Suale by the end of March 2025. 

Should this deadline pass without progress, the Association has vowed to take the case to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Community Court of Justice.

At a press conference in Accra on Wednesday, GJA President Albert Kwabena Dwumfour expressed deep frustration over the prolonged lack of justice, pointing out that six years have passed without any resolution.

Concerns Over Police Inaction

Mr. Dwumfour criticized security agencies for their apparent lack of urgency in investigating the case, highlighting that no arrests have been made despite the passage of time. He referenced a statement from former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, in February 2024, where Dame admitted that law enforcement had yet to produce a case file strong enough for prosecution.

New Allegations and Leads

The call for justice has been reignited by recent claims from Member of Parliament for Gomoa Central, Kwame Asare-Obeng (popularly known as A-Plus), who stated that he had provided the police with information on individuals suspected to be behind Suale’s assassination.

According to Mr. Dwumfour, A-Plus warned that if authorities failed to act or disclose details of their progress, he would personally release the suspect’s name.

These fresh claims have intensified concerns over the commitment of law enforcement to solving the case, sparking outrage among journalists and press freedom advocates.

Broader Fight for Justice

The GJA is also advocating for justice in another unresolved case—the brutal assault of journalist Latif Iddrisu in 2018. Iddrisu, formerly with Multimedia, suffered severe head injuries after being attacked by unidentified police officers while covering a protest at the Criminal Investigations Department headquarters. His injuries have led to ongoing health challenges.

He called on key figures, including the Inspector-General of Police, the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice-designate, and President John Dramani Mahama, to prioritize both cases.

International Support

The Federation of African Journalists (FAJ) has thrown its weight behind the GJA’s demands, with FAJ President Omar Faruk Osman warning that the lack of accountability for attacks on journalists in Ghana is under close scrutiny.

Legal Battle Looms

GJA General Secretary Kofi Yeboah revealed that the Association has already engaged legal experts in preparation for potential litigation at the ECOWAS Court should Ghanaian authorities fail to take action.