The Ghana Journalist Association (GJA) has called on political actors to halt any plans to attack media practitioners as the country draws closer to the 2020 elections.

In an interview with Joy News, the Association’s President, Roland Affail Monney stressed that “misguided politicians and over overzealous supporters” must note that the media plays a critical role in the democratic process of the country.

Thus, attacking a journalist will be an attempt to disrupt the country’s system.

He added, “So our clarion caution to all, is that, spare us your evil intentions, please keep your hands off journalists and concentrate on how best you can win votes which will ensure your victory in the elections.

“An attack against one journalist is an attack against all journalists, and an attack against all journalist is an attack against our democracy and an attack against our democracy is an attack against the very soul of the nation,” he emphasised.

Over the years, journalists have been targets of several attacks with some of them losing their lives in the process.

With the recent increase of attacks and deaths of politically exposed persons, some members of the Association have expressed concerns about their safety too.

Commenting on this, Mr Monney warned journalists to be impartial in their election reportage to prevent being the target for agitated supporters.