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March 28, 2026
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Shot on duty: A Ghanaian journalist’s five-year struggle for recovery
Money
Policy
Key Points
- Pius Asiedu, a freelance journalist, was shot in the leg while covering the 2020 general elections in Ghana, resulting in an 8-centimeter bone loss in his shin.
- He has undergone five surgeries in Ghana, costing his family approximately GHC100,000, but still requires a specialized bone reconstruction abroad estimated at US$35,000.
- The injury abruptly halted his career, leaving him unemployed for five years, with his single mother and family bearing the heavy financial and emotional burden.
- The suspected shooter, a national security officer, was arrested, but the prosecution case has stalled due to repeated adjournments, denying Pius justice and closure.
- Despite initial media attention and support from the Ghana Journalists Association, follow-up assistance dwindled, highlighting the lack of a compensation scheme for journalists injured on duty.
Why This Matters
This article is crucial for Ghana as it exposes significant vulnerabilities in the nation's democratic processes and social structures. It highlights the severe risks journalists face during elections, the potential shortcomings in the justice system when security personnel are involved, and the inadequate support mechanisms for professionals injured while performing their duties. The case underscores the urgent need for policies to protect journalists and ensure timely justice and compensation for victims of violence.
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