EFG condemns murder of investigative journalist and GPHA PR manager
The Editors Forum, Ghana (EFG), has added its voice to condemn the gruesome murder of Ahmed Hussein-Suale, member of the Tiger Eye PI investigative team and Josephine Asante of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA).
In a statement signed by the Chairperson, Ajoa Yeboah-Afari, and copied to ghanabusinessnews.com, described the murder of Hussein-Suale as an attempt on all investigative reporters.
The Late Hussein-Suale was killed by unknown assailants on Wednesday, January 16, 2019 at Madina near Accra.
He was reportedly shot three times; twice in the chest and another in the neck.
He played a key role in the investigative piece of Anas Aremeyaw Anas’ “Number 12” video on football corruption in Ghana.
The Marketing and Public Affairs Manager of the GPHA in charge of the Tema Port, Josephine Asante, was also stabbed to death at her residence at Community 25 in Tema few days before Suale’s murder.
The deceased is said to have been attacked in her bedroom after returning from a staff party.
The EFG condemned both killings and urged the Ghana Police Service to find the culprits.
Below is the full statement
January 21, 2019
Statement by the Editors Forum, Ghana (EFG) on the murders of Tiger Eye journalist Ahmed Hussein-Suale and Josephine Asante of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority
Last Friday, January 18, 2019, burial took place in Accra of Tiger Eye investigative journalist Ahmed Hussein-Suale, murdered by gunmen whose objective, or that of those they were acting for, was clearly to silence him, or seek revenge for exposing their crimes.
We of the Editors Forum, Ghana also see Hussein-Suale’s cold blooded shooting as he was driving home in the night of January 16, as an attempt to intimidate not only the Tiger Eye PI team of Anas Aremeyaw Anas, but other investigative reporters as well. Evidently the killing, witnessed by passers-by, is an attempt to discourage investigative reporters from doing their work.
However, it goes without saying that killing the messenger has never stopped the dissemination of the news, or the exposure of what those behind such murders seek to cover up.
If anything, it only serves to generate public interest and embolden the investigators. Surely, this evil act will not stop Tiger Eye, now an internationally recognized brand.Also, we are confident that this murder will not stop investigative journalism in Ghana, or other forms of journalism that unearth the wrongs in our society.
The EFG feel the need to add our voice to the national and global condemnation of the murder of Mr. Hussein-Suale because it is not just a vicious killing of a fellow human being, but, as stated, an attack on the media. And this kind of fiendish deed needs to be denounced by all because it has no place in any civilized society.
It should also serve as a reminder to the media fraternity of the need for us to close ranks and work in unity at all times.
We take consolation in our belief that the Ghana Police Service has the capacity and the acumen to find the killers. However, the police need the support and cooperation of the public, especially people who live in the crime scene area. Thus we appeal to the community to report any suspicious developments observed in their neighborhoods to the police.
Our appeal also goes to the residents of Tema Community 25 where another brutal, horrific killing took place on January 12, of Mrs Josephine Asante, the Marketing and Corporate Affairs Manager of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority. She was reportedly stabbed to death in her home in the night by intruders.
As the police have stated times without number, crime fighting is a shared responsibility and the police need the assistance of the public to perform as expected.
Our deepest condolences go to the Hussein-Suale family and friends, Tiger Eye leader Anas Aremeyaw Anas and the other team members; as well as to the family and friends of Mrs Asante.
Ajoa Yeboah-Afari (Ms)
EFG Chairperson