Minister of State for Government Communications Felix Kwakye Ofosu denounced threats to kill President John Dramani Mahama and his children as “brazen criminality” during the 30th Ghana Journalists Association Media Awards in Accra on Thursday.
Speaking on behalf of the former president, the minister warned that political leaders must not use violence or intimidation to gain partisan advantage, calling such conduct a crime rather than a protected form of expression.
“For instance, threatening to kill a president and his children is not free speech. It is brazen criminality,” Mr Kwakye Ofosu said, urging consistency in defending free speech while condemning hate‑speaking that leads to violence.
He highlighted past incidents where journalists in the north fled the country fearing for their lives after publishing uncomfortable truths, arguing that democracy thrives on disagreement but cannot tolerate deliberate incitement of hatred, violence or intolerance.
The comments came at an event themed “Celebrating Excellence, Advancing Media Freedom and Combating Hate Speech in the Digital Age,” which brought together journalists, media organisations and stakeholders to recognise journalistic excellence and discuss media freedom challenges.
Mr Kwakye Ofosu added that efforts to curb hate speech should not be used to silence dissent, critical journalism or unpopular opinions, stressing the need for a clear distinction between criminal conduct and legitimate free‑speech expression.
The minister’s remarks come amid ongoing debates over media freedom and the role of political rhetoric in Ghana’s democratic landscape. The GJA Media Awards will continue to spotlight the importance of responsible journalism in a rapidly evolving digital age.
