Media Association Calls for Swift Justice Following Assault on Court Correspondent

The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has strongly condemned the violent assault on EIB Network's Legal Affairs Correspondent, Murtala Inusah, by sympathisers of Bishop Elisha Salifu Amoako. The incident occurred at the Accra Circuit Court on October 16, 2024, where Inusah was covering the court case involving Bishop Amoako and his wife, Mouha, over a fatal accident involving their teenage son.

Inusah, who was on official duty and wearing his accredited Judicial Press Corps ID, was reportedly attacked by the bishop's sympathisers for filming the court proceedings. The attack left the journalist with cuts on his fingers, severe bodily pain, and resulted in the loss of his mobile phone. A police court warrant officer who came to his aid was also assaulted.

The GJA condemned the actions as "devilish" and called on the Ghana Police Service to swiftly arrest and prosecute the attackers. The association also urged the Judiciary to ensure the culprits face severe punishment. The GJA reaffirmed its support for journalists performing their duties, encouraging media practitioners not to be intimidated by such acts and to give the case maximum publicity.

The assault comes amid the court appearance of Bishop Salifu Amoako and his wife, following an accident involving their 16-year-old son, which claimed the lives of two people in East Legon.

The GJA further advised media houses to exercise caution in reporting on the case, especially when covering the involvement of the teenage suspect, in line with the ethical standards of the GJA Code of Ethics and the Children’s Act of 1998. They also called for increased security for journalists covering court cases, reminding the public of the essential role the media plays in upholding democracy and informing the nation.