Ghana Party Official Bars Reporter From Government Event

A reporter for Metro TV was prevented from covering a government-funded project launch in Ghana's Upper East Region on May 19, 2026. The journalist had traveled with other reporters to Pusiga constituency to document sod-cutting ceremonies for the 24-hour economy market projects in Bawku, Pusiga, Tempane and Garu. The first ceremony in Bawku proceeded without incident.

Upon arrival in Pusiga around 11:00 am, a man approached the press group and identified the Metro TV reporter by name. The man stated that the Member of Parliament for Pusiga had instructed that the journalist not be present and warned that the situation could become difficult if the reporter remained.

The reporter asked for clarification. The man repeated the instruction and added that the MP did not want to see the journalist at the event. Subsequent reporting identified the man as the communications officer for the National Democratic Congress in the Pusiga constituency.

The officer later posted on Facebook that the journalist had not been among those officially invited and that the MP had not been aware of or sanctioned any confrontation.

The officer's post received mixed comments. One commenter posted a threat that was later deleted; the Media Foundation for West Africa retained a screenshot. The Media Foundation for West Africa condemned the exclusion and intimidation and called on the Ghana Police Service to investigate the incident and the online threats.

The organization also urged the Member of Parliament for Pusiga and the National Democratic Congress leadership to disassociate themselves from the conduct and to ensure journalists can cover official events without harassment. Article 162 of Ghana's 1992 Constitution guarantees media freedom and prohibits censorship.