President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to protecting media freedom and independence, assuring journalists that they will be allowed to carry out their duties without censorship, intimidation or undue interference.
He said the 1992 Constitution guarantees the freedom and independence of the media, adding that his government would uphold those constitutional provisions.
Speaking at the 30th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Media Awards, President Mahama stressed that journalists must be free to investigate, publish and hold public officials accountable without fear.
He said a government’s respect for press freedom is best demonstrated when it is confronted with difficult questions it would rather avoid.
“A president needs to hear those questions, so does every person who holds public office,” he stated.
President Mahama also emphasised the responsibility of state-owned media to give diverse views a fair hearing, noting that they serve citizens across the country regardless of their political affiliations.
He further called on public officials to be transparent and provide clear answers to journalists seeking information on government spending, delayed projects and other public concerns.
The President said his government would continue working with the Ghana Journalists Association and other stakeholders to ensure that Ghana remains a safe place for journalists to pursue their careers.
He also welcomed the improvement in Ghana’s position in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index, published by Reporters Without Borders, where the country moved from 52nd to 39th out of 180 countries.
President Mahama said he would work with the GJA to sustain the progress and strengthen the protection of journalists.
The 30th GJA Media Awards was held under the theme: “Celebrating Excellence, Advancing Media Freedom and Combating Hate Speech in the Digital Age.”
