Ghana: Joseph Wemakor, a fearless journalist fighting for human rights

Ghana is a beautiful country in West Africa, known for its rich cultural heritage, diverse wildlife, and vibrant music scene. However, beneath this beauty lies several human rights issues, including corruption, poverty, and discrimination.

One journalist who has made it his mission to expose these issues to the world is Joseph Kobla Wemakor.

Joseph Kobla Wemakor is a fearless journalist and a staunch human rights activist who works tirelessly to report on human rights issues in Ghana. He is known for his investigative journalism and his commitment to exposing corruption and injustice. Over the years, he has faced several challenges in his work, including threats to his safety and attempts to censor his reporting. Despite these challenges, Wemakor has remained dedicated to his work. He believes that journalism is an essential tool for promoting human rights and holding those in power accountable. He has reported on a wide range of issues, including police brutality, child labor, and discrimination against marginalized groups. Wemakor has also been a vocal advocate for press freedom in Ghana. He has spoken out against attempts by the government to restrict media freedom and has called for greater transparency and accountability in government. One of Wemakor’s most significant achievements was his reporting on child labor within the coastal communities of Ghana particularly in the Central Region where child labour is rife contributing adversely to teenage pregnancy, rape and low standards of education. He exposed how children were being forced to work long hours in dangerous conditions and how this was contributing to poverty and inequality in the country. His reporting led to increased awareness of the issue and helped to prompt action from the government and industry leaders. Wemakor’s work has not gone unnoticed. He has received several awards and recognition for his reporting, including being adjudged the winner of the 2018 media competition on migration reporting, the recipient of the GIJ 60th Anniversary Media Contest for producing an outstanding print report which sheds light on the Sustainable Development Goals as including being conferred on the 2022 Honorary Award for Peace, Security and Education in Africa (TERIA). The celebrated journalist cum indefatigable activist was also named as finalist for the 2023 AfricanDefenders Shield Awards (AfricanDefenders). However, Wemakor’s work has also put him in danger. He has faced threats from those who do not want their activities exposed and has been subjected to harassment and abuse. In 2021, he was allegedly intimidated and verbally abused for condemning dehumanizing acts of injustices perpetrated against the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex (LGBTQI+) community in Ghana, following the launch of their office space in Accra, the capital city of Ghana. The incident sparked outrage among journalists and human rights activists, who called for an investigation into the matter. Despite these challenges, Wemakor remains committed to his work. He believes that journalism can make a real difference in promoting human rights and social justice. He is an inspiration to many young journalists in Ghana who aspire to follow in his footsteps. In conclusion, Joseph Kobla Wemakor is a true hero in the fight for human rights in Ghana. His tireless work and dedication to reporting on issues of social justice have helped to expose corruption and inequality in the country. Today, Wemakor is one of Ghana's most respected journalists. He continues to work tirelessly to defend human rights, fight for justice, and expose human rights abuses. He holds the view that every person has the right to live free from fear and oppression, and he will do whatever it takes to make that belief a reality. However, his work is not done. As long as there are human rights abuses in Ghana, journalists like Wemakor will continue to fight for a better future. Source:Kandey Alhassan