Sports Writers Association condemns assault on journalist by Black Stars' security
The Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) has strongly criticized an incident in which Ghanaian sports journalist, Mr. Seidu Adamu, was assaulted by a security detail of the Black Stars during the team's camp in the United States of America ahead of Ghana's international friendly match with Mexico last Saturday.
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In an official statement, SWAG expressed its dismay over the unprovoked attack on Mr. Adamu at the team's hotel lobby, allegedly by an overzealous security official identified as Aziz Yaro.
The association urged the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to implement measures to prevent any future occurrences of such unacceptable behaviour.
SWAG said such incidents infringe on the fundamental rights of freedom of expression and other liberties guaranteed for journalists to work in an environment free from intimidation and control.
Furthermore, SWAG called for a more cooperative working relationship between the GFA and its members, emphasizing its importance in ensuring journalists can work freely without fear of attacks or intimidation.
SWAG President Kwabena Yeboah stated in the release, "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."
He also added, "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."
Mr. Adamu, a vocal critic of the GFA, detailed the assault in a Facebook post following the incident. He stated that he was strangled in the neck and left with bruises around his ears. Although he did not sustain major injuries, he reported experiencing pain in his neck and arm. As a precaution, he decided not to travel to watch the team play the USA in Tennessee.
He posted: "Since the Leadership of the Ghana FA cannot guarantee my safety in and around the National Team, I have taken the hard decision to return to my base and not make the journey to Tennessee where the Black Stars are due to play the US Men's National Team."
He added, "I did not provoke anyone, neither did I say, act, or place myself in a situation that called for such Barbaric acts against me."