“Why Are Senior Journalists in Ghana Silent Over Ahmed Suale’s Murder?”

The 2019 assassination of investigative journalist Ahmed Hussein-Suale, a member of the Tiger Eye PI team, shocked the nation and raised concerns about press freedom and the safety of journalists in Ghana. Nearly five years later, many are questioning why senior journalists in the country remain largely silent on the unresolved case, even as the quest for justice appears to have stalled.

Ahmed Suale was shot and killed by unknown assailants in Madina, Accra, shortly after his involvement in the high-profile exposé on corruption in African football, known as Number 12, which implicated high profile personalities and several football officials, including President and the Vice President of Ghana and the former President of the Ghana Football Association, Kwesi Nyantakyi. Despite widespread condemnation of his murder, little progress has been made in identifying and prosecuting his killers.

Several media and civil society groups, including international organizations like the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), have repeatedly called for thorough investigations into the murder. However, the continued silence of many of Ghana’s senior journalists has raised eyebrows, with some questioning the apparent reluctance of influential media figures to press for answers.

Critics argue that the silence from prominent journalists sends the wrong message to the public and emboldens those who seek to intimidate or harm members of the press. “Why are our senior journalists so quiet about Suale’s murder? This was one of their own someone who died in the line of duty,” said a media activist who wished to remain anonymous. “The silence is deafening, and it gives the impression that we’ve accepted the killing of journalists as normal.”

Some believe that fear plays a role in the reluctance of senior journalists to speak up. In the aftermath of Ahmed Suale’s death, it became evident that working on sensitive or high-stakes stories could put journalists’ lives in danger. For many, the risks associated with investigating or discussing controversial cases like Suale’s murder may outweigh the benefits of speaking out.

“There is a culture of fear among journalists in Ghana,” explained an editor of a private newspaper in Accra. “When you see a colleague murdered and no justice is served, it sends a message to all of us: stay silent, or you could be next. Many of us are afraid to touch this issue.”

Others, however, have pointed to political and institutional pressures that may discourage journalists from taking up Suale’s case. The investigation into his murder has stalled amid speculation that influential figures connected to his Number 12 exposé may have played a role in his death. With potential political ramifications, some journalists may be wary of involving themselves in a case that could pit them against powerful interests.

“This is not just about fear; it’s about politics and power,” said a social activist. “ Ahmed Suale’s case touches too many nerves. When journalists raise the issue, they risk getting caught in a political storm or alienating themselves from people who hold sway over the industry.”

Nevertheless, some journalists and press freedom advocates have expressed disappointment in the lack of solidarity among the media community. Many believe that senior journalists, who have the platform and influence to demand justice, have a moral obligation to speak out for their fallen colleague.

“It’s heartbreaking to see that we are not fighting harder for Ahmed,” said Kwame Yindow, a social commentator. “When a journalist is killed, it should be a matter of concern for the entire media fraternity. Silence in the face of injustice can be just as dangerous as the crime itself.”

Despite the silence of many senior journalists, a few prominent voices have continued to call for justice. In March 2023, investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas, Ahmed Suale’s colleague at Tiger Eye PI, reiterated his commitment to pursuing the case. Anas has repeatedly urged the government and security agencies to expedite the investigation and ensure that the killers are brought to justice.

As the years pass and Ahmed Suale’s case remains unsolved, questions linger about the broader implications of the silence surrounding his death. What does this mean for the future of investigative journalism in Ghana? How can press freedom thrive if journalists are not willing or able to speak out against the dangers their profession faces?

Many hope that Ghana’s senior journalists will find their voices and take up the cause of their fallen colleague. For now, however, the silence continues, leaving many to wonder whether justice for Ahmed Suale will ever be achieved.

AMN | Reporters | Accra.