President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his firm commitment to protecting press freedom and stated unequivocally that he will not put up with any kind of assault on journalists.
Speaking during Wednesday’s Presidential Media Encounter at Jubilee House, Mr. Mahama denounced the growing number of incidents of harassment of media professionals, particularly by security personnel at public gatherings.
Speaking to the press, the President stated, “I have consistently condemned assaults on journalists. They are professionals doing their job—to inform, educate, and entertain the public.”
He further voiced his concern about what he called a troubling “passion” among certain security guards to threaten or attack journalists, emphasizing that these behaviors need to be stopped by education, disciplinary measures, and improved cooperation between the security services and the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA).
“It’s about sanctioning those who assault journalists. I’ve engaged the leadership of the GJA, and we’re working to bring them together with the security agencies so there can be continuous awareness creation. A journalist covering an event is doing a job just like the security officer—neither has the right to assault the other,” he added.
President Mahama reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering an atmosphere that is secure and supportive of media professionals.
“As a lifetime member of the GJA, I can never condone the assault of journalists in any form,” he assured media practitioners.