ghana: Newspaper editor-in-chief receives two death threats

PRESS RELEASE/ALERT - GHANA
6 August 2002
Newspaper editor-in-chief receives two death threats
SOURCE: International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), Brussels (IFJ/IFEX) - The following is a 2 August 2002 IFJ media release:

IFJ Warns Government Over Death Threats to Editor-in-Chief in Ghana

The International Federation of Journalists today called on the Government of Ghana to take "urgent and immediate steps" to secure the safety of Kweku Baako, Editor-in-Chief of Crusading Guide, following two death threats.

The IFJ, which is the largest journalists' organisation in the world, was informed by its affiliate, the Ghana Journalists Association, that the threats came in two separate letters received by Kweku Baako.

"We are told that this is the second time this year that Baako has received death threats," said Aidan White, IFJ General Secretary. "It is time for urgent and immediate steps by the authorities to provide him with protection against this form of intimidation."

The latest threats were issued by two separate groups who claim to be supporters of former Ghanaian President Jerry Rawlings.

Baako is a staunch and persistent media critic of the former first family and among his recent work was a controversial report linking the financial affairs of the former first lady to a Swiss bank account.

"If there are problems with this professional work they can be resolved in professional ways," said Aidan White. "Journalists must not be subject to intimidation and threats of violence by groups who do not like what they report.
The government must act to restore respect for freedom of expression."

The IFJ represents more than 500,000 journalists in more than 100 countries.

For further information, contact the IFJ, International Press Centre, Residence Palace, Block C, 155 Rue de la Loi, B-1040 Brussels, Belgium, tel: +322
235 2200 or +322 235 22 01, fax: +322 235 22 19, e-mail: [email protected], Internet:
http://www.ifj.org/ The information contained in this press release/alert is the sole responsibility of IFJ. In citing this material for broadcast or publication, please credit IFJ.
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