The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) have condemned the smearing of the offices of the Crusading Guide, a privately- owned newspaper, with human excreta and declared that journalists would never surrender press freedom and media responsibility for anything.

A statement signed by Mrs. Gifty Affenyi-Dadzie, President of the Association, said it is shocked and dismayed at "this cowardly and dastardly act" and appealed to the authorities to thoroughly investigate the matter and bring the culprits to justice.

"The GJA urges its members not to be intimidated (to change) from their genuine pursuits. "We must state clearly that nothing can dim the spirit of Ghanaian journalists to pursue their profession and move ahead with freedom.”

"We will not waver in our bid to ensure transparency in public affairs and to hold public officers accountable to the people."

The statement said the Association is disgusted and appalled by the latest demonstration of intolerance, bigotry and sadism to intimidate and blackmail a media house in the performance of its professional duties.

It said those who think that intimidation, insolence, blackmail and high-handedness could cow journalists into submission must be deluding themselves.

"The GJA calls on all lovers of free speech to openly condemn it as a dastardly act to put to shame those behind it.

"The over zealous sycophants who think that the only way to resist media responsiveness and alertness is the resort to criminality should know that the media's role in upholding accountability is in the interest of Ghanaians."