President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to upholding media freedom, protecting journalists, and restoring Ghana’s position as a continental leader in press independence.
Speaking at the 29th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Media Awards in Kumasi, the President described public office as a trust, not a privilege, and stressed that the media remained a central pillar in Ghana’s democracy.
He said the framers of the 1992 Constitution recognised the indispensable role of the press, dedicating an entire chapter to the freedom and independence of the media, a testament to its vital role in sustaining democratic governance.
“The media is not just a bystander in national life. It is an institution of state, constitutionally protected, whose vitality shapes the quality of our democracy,” President Mahama stated.
He commended Ghanaian journalists for their increasing professionalism and relevance, noting that the media continues to bridge the gap between government and the governed while holding the powerful to account.
President Mahama expressed concern about Ghana’s recent decline on the World Press Freedom Index, describing it as “a worrying development.”
“In 2017, Ghana stood tall as a beacon of media independence in Africa. But recent reports show that our recovery remains fragile. We must consciously reclaim our place as Africa’s torchbearer of media freedom,” he emphasised.
The President announced that investigations into acts of violence against journalists and citizens during the 2020 and 2024 elections had been completed.
He said 21 individuals had been identified, four arrested and granted bail, five remanded, while warrants had been issued for the remaining suspects.
He assured that justice would be pursued under the law and that the victims deserve closure, while the perpetrators would face the consequences of their actions.
He gave the firm assurance that under his leadership, the government “will neither sanction nor tolerate any form of intimidation, interference, or attacks on journalists.”
Nonetheless, he urged the media to balance freedom with responsibility, emphasising that the credibility of journalism depended on integrity, accuracy, and fairness.
“Too often, the race to break stories first results in unverified publications that damage reputations. We must strengthen both internal and cross-media systems for verification,” the President advised.