The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Wednesday asked for immediate national security protection for the internationally-acclaimed investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas, saying he has received many death threats following his latest investigative piece on the game of football in Ghana.

“According to sources close to the ace investigative journalist, apart from receiving messages containing threats of death, some unidentified persons have been tracking his office and other locations ostensibly to harm him,” the GJA said in, a statement, signed by its President, Mr Affail Monney.

“…We therefore, urge the Ghana Police Service, Bureau of National Investigations and other security agencies to, as a matter of urgency, and in the utmost national interest, provide a 24-hour protection for Anas and all his interests, including his family and properties.

“The security agencies should not allow aggrieved and disgruntled individuals to endanger the life of this patriotic citizen of Ghana, who, at a very young age, has rendered very invaluable services to the nation.

Ahead of the scheduled premiere of the investigative piece in Accra on Wednesday, June 6 and Thursday June 7, 2018, the Police are investigating a case of defrauding by false pretence against Mr Kwesi Nyantakyi, the President of the Ghana Football Association, on the orders of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

Mr Nyantakyi, in the piece, is said to have asked for money from some Moroccan investors to influence the President, the Vice President and some other officials.

Anas has since come under criticism from a section of the public, with several pictorial images, which are not his real identity, having been posted online, television and on social media,

“The GJA said the situation put the lives of other persons at risk and must cease immediately.

“The GJA finds these developments extremely disturbing and highly unfortunate.

“We appreciate the fact that investigative pieces of this nature always arouse passion, emotions, anger and even hatred.

“However, regardless of one’s feelings, whether good or ill, under no circumstances must one deviate from the rule of law to tread on the path of impunity and engage in an assassination mission.

“Instead, one must resort to the law courts to seek redress to anything one finds untoward in such matters.

“Whatever be the case, Chapter 13 of the GJA Code of Ethics fully justifies the means by which Anas conducts his investigative works on the ground of national interest.

“The GJA wishes to remind the nation of Ghana’s enviable first position on the World Press Freedom Index 2018 and the enormous economic benefits it holds for the nation.

“This achievement was not procured on a silver platter; it was earned through our collective resolve to promote press freedom in the country, as captured under Chapter 12 of the 1992 Constitution.

“In that same spirit of unity of purpose, we must collectively resist acts, much less death threats on journalists that have the tendency to undermine our press freedom status and collective good.

“Even before the premiering of the undercover expose, Anas’ investigative piece has already generated international interest.

“And so it is important for us to conduct our affairs in a manner that would bring dignity, not disgrace, to Ghana.

“The whole world is watching us.”