At the 30th Ghana Journalists Association Media Awards held in Accra, Minister of State for Government Communications Felix Kwakye Ofosu spoke on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama. He reiterated the government’s commitment to media freedom and clarified that favourable headlines are not a prerequisite for engagement with journalists.
Mr Kwakye Ofosu urged that the press must be free to question the government, scrutinise public expenditure, investigate public institutions and examine decisions taken by public officials. He added that a democratic administration must be prepared to answer difficult questions and accept legitimate criticism.
“We do not expect favourable headlines as a condition for engagement, nor do we expect journalists to surrender their editorial independence in the name of partnership,” he said. “A government that is confident in its democratic credentials must be prepared to answer difficult questions and accept legitimate criticism.”
The minister also called for stronger protection of journalists from attacks, threats and unlawful detention. He warned that allegations of assaults, including those involving security personnel, must be investigated and accountability pursued where wrongdoing is established.
These remarks come amid growing concerns about the safety of journalists in Ghana. The Ghana Journalists Association has logged more than 50 incidents of attacks, arrests and harassment of journalists between 2022 and January 2026. The government said it will continue to work with media stakeholders to ensure that constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression and media independence are reflected in the everyday experiences of journalists.
