President John Dramani Mahama has assured that his government will not permit any form of intimidation, harassment, or attacks on journalists.
Speaking at the 29th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Media Awards on Saturday, November 8, he emphasized that his administration is fully committed to protecting media freedom and ensuring the safety of all journalists.
“Let me make this clear: under my watch, this government will never endorse or tolerate any attempt to intimidate, interfere with, or attack journalists,” he stressed.
Mahama also noted that his administration has already begun implementing measures to improve cooperation between the media and the country’s security agencies.
“I have directed the Minister responsible for Government Communications and the Minister for National Security to create a permanent forum for constructive engagement between the security services and the media. This will foster mutual respect and prevent such future incidents,” the President said.
President Mahama, who spoke under the theme “
Self-Guarding Ghana: The Role of the Media in Promoting Security and Peace
,” reaffirmed his commitment to restoring the atmosphere of media freedom that characterised Ghana’s democracy prior to 2017.
“My administration has chosen the path of restoring the spirit of pre-2017 Ghana, when freedom of expression, institutional respect, and journalistic safety defined our democratic experience,” he said.
He also provided an update on investigations into acts of violence against journalists and citizens during the 2020 and 2024 elections, which resulted in injuries and loss of life.
“I’m pleased to report that the investigations are complete. A total of 21 individuals have been identified. Four have been arrested and released on bail, five remain on remand, and warrants have been issued for the remaining suspects.
“The Attorney General is currently reviewing the reports to determine appropriate legal action and compensation for victims or their families,” he announced.
The President assured that justice would be pursued in accordance with the law, saying, “The victims deserve closure, and the perpetrators will face the consequences of their actions.”
While reaffirming his dedication to protecting press freedom, President Mahama also encouraged journalists to use that freedom responsibly.
“Freedom goes hand in hand with responsibility. The strength of journalism lies in integrity, accuracy, and fairness. Too many times, the pressure to publish first leads to unverified reports that harm people’s reputations,” he cautioned.
