By Mavis Paintsil, Accra
Seventy-seven journalists were attacked in West Africa in six months. Seventy-two attackers walked free.
That is the record of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) for the first half of 2026 — a period the Foundation describes as critical for press freedom in the region.
MFWA Executive Director, Sulemana Braimah, revealed the figures in Accra on Monday during the launch of a new safety framework for Ghanaian journalists.
According to him, the Foundation documented 33 violations from January to March and 44 violations from April to June.
Only about five of those cases saw any form of redress for the victims.
Mr Braimah said the figures show a dangerous pattern — when attackers are not punished, they attack again.
He warned that globally, 85% of journalists killed never get justice, and West Africa is heading in the same direction if urgent action is not taken.
He pointed to Ghana’s unresolved cases, including the murder of investigative journalist Ahmed Suale, the attack on journalist Sadiq Karim during a live broadcast in Tamale, and the case of Mathew Gries.
He urged the Attorney-General and the Ghana Police Service to update the public on the cases and ensure perpetrators are brought to justice.
In Ghana, the situation is also getting worse. Violations rose from 3 in the first quarter to 7 in the second quarter.
MFWA data further shows that from January 2020 to November 2025, Ghana recorded 87 violations, with security agencies responsible for 34 of them. Only seven cases received redress.
To respond to the crisis, MFWA launched a Journalists’ Safety Information Framework for Ghana. The framework, developed after research and consultations, guides media houses on how to protect journalists physically, digitally, legally and psychologically.
The Foundation also announced a GH¢544,000 ($550,000) three-year Legal Support Fund to support journalists facing lawsuits, and the West African Network of Activists and Media Defence Lawyers, which provides free legal support to journalists across the region.
Mr Braimah said the measures are aimed at ending impunity and ensuring that journalists can work without fear.
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