The Executive Secretary of the National Media Commission, George Sarpong, has expressed concern over the attack on Joy News' Erastus Asare Donkor and three of his colleagues, who were assaulted by armed illegal miners in the Ashanti Region.

Read also; JoyNews’ Erastus Asare Donkor and crew attacked by armed men at mining site in Ashanti Region

He says although the country has witnessed many "terrible" attacks on media practitioners, the case involving Erastus is particularly alarming.

"It is important that we recognise the uniqueness of the attack on Erastus and why it cannot be tolerated," he said. "First of all, the people who attacked him were organised criminals. They carried out the attack at a specific time when the entire society is mobilised and organised against galamsey."

Mr Sarpong explained that the perpetrators have shown that they fear no authority and are willing to go to any lengths to pursue their own interests.

"What they are saying is, 'We don’t fear you, we don’t fear anyone in Ghana, and we are ready to do our worst in pursuit of our self-interest,'" he said, adding that the actions of the attackers signal a wider threat: "It is not only journalists who are under attack; the entire society is under attack, and the journalist is just the first target." he said.

Mr Sarpong was speaking on Joy News' AM Show on Monday, November 11, 2024, which discussed the country’s efforts to ensure media freedom.

According to Erastus, his equipment, including SD cards, drones, and other vital devices, were stolen by the attackers.

Meanwhile, the police have yet to take any swift action on the case, despite the victims having reported the incident immediately after the attack.

Read also; Galamsey: Investigation into attack on Joy News’ Erastus Asare and colleagues already growing cold