Kumasi: Mr Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), has called for closer collaboration between the Ghana Police Service and the media to help strengthen security in communities. He acknowledged that in recent times, the police had been updating the media frequently on intelligence gathered relating to crime and other negative vices.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Dwumfour commended the police for their recent engagements with the media but emphasized the need to deepen this relationship. He highlighted the importance of this collaboration in achieving the core mandates of the police, noting that media support is crucial. Mr Dwumfour made these remarks during a visit to the Ashanti Regional Police Commander, DCOP Emmanuel Teye Cudjoe, in Kumasi.
The GJA President explained that the media serves as a bridge between the government and the people, making it essential for the police to provide newsmen with relevant information. He warned that if the media turns against the police, it would be challenging to achieve their vision and mission in the region. Mr Dwumfour also pledged the media’s readiness to support and cooperate with the security service through continuous engagement.
In response, DCOP Teye Cudjoe acknowledged the shared objective of information gathering between the media and police. He expressed concern that lack of discretion in media reportage, especially on cases under investigation, could undermine efforts to combat crime.
Mr Dwumfour, accompanied by General Secretary Mr Dominic Hlordzi and other members of the Association in the Ashanti region, had earlier visited the Kumasi-based Pure FM to commiserate with management after a fire incident. The visit aimed to assess the fire situation, which destroyed two offices, and to explore ways to mobilize support for rebuilding the affected studio.
Members of the Association later held a closed-door meeting to discuss issues affecting media practices and welfare.