An investigative journalist, Isaac Nsiah Foster, is battling for his life after being stabbed in Kumasi following a dispute with a commercial bus conductor over a 50 pesewa fare difference. The incident occurred on Monday evening when Foster boarded a TD minibus with registration number GW 2333-10, white in colour, at the Airport Roundabout. Upon requesting his rightful change, an altercation ensued between him and the conductor.
According to eyewitness accounts, the confrontation intensified during the ride. Upon arrival at his destination near Buokrom Estates Junction, the driver, conductor, and an unidentified accomplice allegedly pounced on Foster. Armed with sharp objects, the assailants stabbed him in the thigh despite his desperate attempts to defend himself. The attackers then fled the scene.
Foster, who is also a paralegal and Director of Human Rights at the Africa Liberators and Economic Institute (ALEI), had recently covered high-profile cases, including the arrest of Ibrahim Kayaba, considered one of West Africa’s most wanted criminals. He believes the attack may be linked to his recent investigative work. In a disturbing revelation, he said attempts to report the incident at two separate police stations were met with indifference. Officers allegedly demanded a bribe before assigning a case investigator.
The incident adds to growing concerns over the safety of journalists in Ghana. Over the past few years, several members of the media have faced intimidation, physical abuse, and even death for simply doing their jobs. The murder of investigative journalist Ahmed Hussein-Suale in 2019 remains one of the most high-profile cases yet to be resolved.
In April 2022, a Citi FM/TV journalist was assaulted by a police officer while covering a demonstration in Accra. In 2023, a journalist with Angel FM in Kumasi was beaten during a political event, with no arrests made despite video evidence circulating on social media. These incidents underscore a troubling trend of impunity for crimes against journalists.
Media watchdogs and civil society groups continue to call on the government to take decisive action to protect journalists and enforce laws that guarantee press freedom. Ghana, once celebrated for its media freedom, has seen a steady decline in press safety rankings. Foster’s stabbing, if left unaddressed, could further dampen the morale of journalists who risk their lives to inform the public.
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