President John Dramani Mahama has issued a firm declaration against the harassment of journalists, stating unequivocally that his administration will never condone assaults on media practitioners. Speaking during the Presidential Media Encounter held at Jubilee House on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, Mahama emphasized the critical role journalists play in Ghana’s democracy and development.
“I’ve condemned assaults on journalists in any form. Journalists are doing their job—to inform, educate, and entertain our people,” Mahama stated.
The President expressed concern over the increasing incidents of harassment, particularly by security personnel at public events. He noted that some officers have developed a troubling “passion” for intimidating journalists, a culture he said must be dismantled through education, accountability, and institutional collaboration.
To address the issue, Mahama announced plans to strengthen ties between the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) and the country’s security services. He revealed ongoing discussions with the GJA leadership to launch awareness campaigns and enforce sanctions against perpetrators.
“If you see a journalist at an event, he is doing a job—just like the security officer. You don’t have the right to assault or manhandle them,” he emphasized.
Mahama also reaffirmed his personal commitment to media freedom, referencing his status as a lifetime member of the GJA. He pledged that his government will continue working closely with media stakeholders to ensure journalists operate in a safe and supportive environment.
“There’s no way I’ll condone the assault of journalists in any form,” he concluded.
The statement comes amid growing calls for stronger protections for journalists in Ghana, as press freedom remains a cornerstone of Mahama’s Resetting Ghana Agenda.
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