In a move stirring conversations across West Africa, Ghanaian Member of Parliament for Gomoa Central, Kwame Asare-Obeng—widely recognized as A Plus—has delivered a bold 48-hour ultimatum to the Ghana Police Service. He is demanding a comprehensive update on the investigation into the tragic murder of Ahmed Suale, an investigative journalist whose death in 2019 sent shockwaves through the region’s media and civic communities. According to A Plus, if the police fail to meet this deadline, he intends to summon senior police leadership before Parliament for direct scrutiny, amplifying calls for accountability in high-profile cases.
Sharing his stance via a Facebook post on Tuesday, 14 December 2025, A Plus leveled serious allegations—suggesting that a senior minister affiliated with Ghana’s former New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration may have orchestrated the attack that led to Suale’s death. Such claims, notable for their gravity, have drawn attention from both local and international observers, highlighting growing frustrations around unresolved crimes involving journalists and public figures in the region.
Recounting a significant episode in the ongoing inquiry, A Plus described a meeting on 15 July when police requested his presence to assist with their investigation into the case. His account suggests a personal stake and continued monitoring of the process, reinforcing the role that public figures and legislators are increasingly taking to demand transparency in such sensitive matters.
Last year, I was invited to the CID headquarters to provide information regarding the murder of Ahmed Suale. During the meeting, I identified a high-profile minister from the previous government who was allegedly involved in contracting assailants to carry out the crime. I also disclosed my source, a highly credible one, in the presence of the CID director.
A Plus has openly criticized the police for what he sees as a lack of tangible progress, asserting that the case appears to have been sidelined. He insists that the Ghana Police Service take steps to make their findings public, or else prepare to justify their handling of the investigation before Parliament—a move that could have significant implications for police-public relations and oversight practices in Ghana and beyond.
It is critical that the CID director updates the public on the progress of the investigation and indicates with justification whether additional time is required.
At this point, it appears the matter has been sidelined. If no update is provided within 48 hours, I will invoke my authority as a Member of Parliament to formally summon the Ghana Police Service to brief Parliament on this case. Should that fail, I will utilise my Facebook and other social media platforms to update the nation on what I know about the matter, which shall include the name of the alleged perpetrator.
The unresolved murder of Ahmed Suale remains one of the most sobering episodes of the Akufo-Addo presidency. Suale, a journalist with the acclaimed investigative team Tiger Eye P.I. founded by Anas Aremeyaw Anas, was fatally shot on 16 January 2019 in Accra. Observers widely interpreted the killing as a targeted attack meant to silence investigative journalism—a reality that continues to cast a shadow not only in Ghana but across media circles in Nigeria, wider Africa, and globally.
The Broader Media Safety Crisis in West Africa
The targeting of Ahmed Suale is not an isolated incident. Journalists in both Ghana and Nigeria, as well as across West Africa, have faced mounting risks in their profession. According to Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders, impunity for attacks on journalists remains high in the region—a fact that has prompted civil society organizations, press unions, and ordinary citizens to demand more robust protections and transparency from authorities.
Nigerian and Regional Reactions
Ahmed Suale’s assassination continues to resonate with Nigerian journalists and advocates for press freedom, especially as similar challenges in protecting the fourth estate persist across the continent. Lagos-based media analyst Adebola Oladele noted, “The ability for journalists to operate without fear of reprisal is crucial for democracy in Ghana, Nigeria, and our neighboring states. Calls like those from MP A Plus signal a growing expectation for justice and accountability.”
- Media organizations such as the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) have released statements of support, emphasizing the need for cross-border solidarity and mutual advocacy.
- Ghanaian activists have organized campaigns and vigils to keep attention on Suale’s case, underscoring the pain and anger felt across civic spaces.
- International watchdog groups persistently list Suale’s murder among key unresolved global attacks on press freedom.
Implications for Democracy and Rule of Law
The public’s response to A Plus’s ultimatum reflects a broader demand for reform in police accountability and the justice system. In both Ghana and Nigeria, confidence in law enforcement agencies is often linked to their efficiency in investigating and prosecuting crimes—especially those involving high-profile victims.
Analysts warn that unresolved cases like Suale’s can erode public trust and deter journalists from pursuing sensitive investigations, thus weakening democratic institutions. As Dr. Kemi Ajayi, a Nigerian scholar in media policy, explains: “When such crimes go unsolved, it emboldens those who seek to threaten or silence independent media. Every unsolved case is a blow to the public’s right to information.”
Next Steps: Can Police Rebuild Trust?
The Ghana Police Service now faces tremendous public scrutiny—not just from lawmakers, but from the broader public and regional stakeholders. Whether authorities will heed A Plus’s call and deliver a meaningful update remains to be seen. Some are watching to see if similar demands will be raised in Nigeria and other African countries facing comparable challenges.
Advocacy groups are urging governments to implement:
- Transparent disciplinary processes for officers found to have mishandled investigations.
- Greater protections and emergency mechanisms for journalists under threat.
- Public reporting of investigation progress and open communication with victims’ families.
As the ultimatum deadline approaches, many are looking for not just an update, but a shift in how authorities engage with major investigations and public concern.
Context: A Changing Landscape for Press Freedom
The continued challenges facing investigative journalists in Ghana, Nigeria, and across the continent underscore the urgent need for structural changes. Suale’s case serves as a pointed reminder of these realities, and the need for solidarity among media practitioners, civil groups, and reform-minded lawmakers.
Your Voice: The Role of Public Engagement
The success of calls for justice often depends on active public participation. Many in Nigeria and Ghana have used social media and public forums to raise awareness and maintain pressure on authorities. Civic engagement, including petitions, peaceful protests, and community events, remains vital for advancing the cause of justice in cases like Suale’s.
What’s your perspective on the progress of investigations into journalists’ safety and freedom in Ghana, Nigeria, and the wider West African region? Do you believe more regional collaboration is needed to protect journalists and uphold justice? Join the conversation below and add your voice to the discussion.
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