At the 30th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Media Awards held in Accra, Minister for Government Communications Felix Kwake Ofosu urged media owners and stakeholders to invest in professional training, enhance working conditions, and take responsibility for the safety of journalists while they perform their duties.
Speaking before the ceremony, Ofosu stressed that no journalist should be assaulted, threatened, or unlawfully detained for carrying out a legitimate professional assignment. He said, “Allegations of attacks, including those involving security personnel, must be investigated and accountability must follow where wrong doing is established.”
The minister highlighted journalism’s contribution to national development and democracy, insisting that protecting reporters is the duty of every institution committed to the rule of law. He reiterated the government’s commitment to media freedom and urged the press to continue interrogating policies and holding officials answerable to the people.
Ofosu added, “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 concluded that a government confident in its democratic credentials must be prepared to answer difficult questions and accept legitimate criticism.
