President John Dramani Mahama has issued a strong condemnation of recent assaults on journalists by security personnel, pledging swift action to hold those responsible accountable and to strengthen protections for media practitioners across the country.
Speaking at the Jubilee House during a ceremony to swear in newly appointed deputy ministers, President Mahama expressed deep concern over reports of journalists being manhandled while covering official operations.
“Allow me to condemn in the strongest terms the recent incident involving the manhandling of some journalists by our security personnel. Such conduct is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”
The President’s remarks follow public outrage over reports of assault on journalists in recent weeks.
“I have instructed that the incident be thoroughly investigated and that the officers involved be sanctioned accordingly”.
Highlighting his personal commitment to media freedom, the President reminded the nation of his longstanding affiliation with the press.
“As a card‑bearing member of the Ghana Journalists Association, I will not preside over a government that abuses or intimidates journalists in the lawful exercise of their duty,.A free and responsible press is indispensable to our democracy, and we must all work to protect the media.”
He further announced plans to convene a high-level dialogue between the GJA leadership and security service heads.
“I will soon convene a meeting between the heads of the security services and the leadership of the GJA to plan a programme to orient our troops to recognise the media not as enemies but as partners in development”.
