The Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) has released an official statement to denounce the attack against USA-based Ghanaian sports journalist Seidu Adamu by one of the security guards of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) during the Mexico – Ghana international friendly match over the weekend.
See the full statement from SWAG reproduced below :
The Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) has condemned an assault on Ghanaian sports journalist and a member of the association, Mr Seidu Adamu, by one of the security details of the Black Stars at the team’s camp in the United States of America (USA) prior to Ghana’s international friendly match with Mexico last Saturday.
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SWAG is dismayed at the unprovoked attack on Mr Adamu at the team’s hotel lobby by the overzealous security official.
Ironically, the reported incident occurred several minutes after the victim had exchanged pleasantries with leading officials of the Ghana Football Association, 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 members of the FA’s leadership to voice his strong protest the official’s actions and seek an amicable resolution to the case.
Mr Yeboah also took the opportunity to emphasize the need for the FA leadership to hold their errant official accountable, given that he had previously been implicated in similar acts of aggression towards journalists in the course of their duties.
While the attack on Mr Adamu is unacceptable, SWAG is encouraged that the GFA President and General Secretary took the matter seriously and directed the security official to issue a personal apology to Mr Adamu in full view of the officials at the team’s camp.
SWAG acknowledges the assurances by the GFA leadership to take preventive measures against any future recurrence of such intolerable behaviour, which infringes upon the fundamental rights of freedom of expression and other liberties guaranteed for journalists to operate in an environment free from intimidation and control.
SWAG urges the Ghana Football Association, an organisation which includes members of our association within its leadership, to take practical steps to demonstrate more tolerance for divergent views and foster a more cordial working relationship between our two bodies.
This relationship is essential for journalists to work freely and be shielded from attacks or any form of intimidation, particularly as both the FA and members of SWAG share a common interest in advancing football in Ghana., and a harmonious partnership will only serve to further this goal.
We would like to reassure Mr Adamu and all our members that we will fearlessly defend their constitutionally guaranteed freedom of expression and ensure their protection in the line of work. The leadership of this association will continue to engage with relevant stakeholders to create a
conducive atmosphere which allows journalists to operate freely without fear of attack,
intimidation, or control.
Kwabena Yeboah
President
