By Franklin ASARE-DONKOH
The Minister of State for Government Communications, Mr. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has assured journalists of a conducive working environment under President John Dramani Mahama’s administration.
According to him, no journalist will face reprisals from the Mahama administration, even if they report negatively on the government.
Addressing concerns raised by the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) about the mistreatment of journalists at a media briefing in Accra on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu backed his assurance with President Mahama’s track record of protecting press freedom.
“Unlike under former President Akufo-Addo, where journalists had to flee the country because agents of the state were pursuing them, President Mahama has always protected journalists,” he stated.
He added that journalists who criticized Mahama were still welcomed into his home and office, and he even attended their book launches and extended a hand of courtesy and friendship to them.
“He has never shown hostility to any journalist at any point in his public life,” the Minister emphasized.
Mr. Kwakye Ofosu reaffirmed that President Mahama guarantees full press freedom, ensuring that journalists will not face retaliation for their reporting.
“If you are a journalist in Ghana, you have President Mahama’s fullest assurance that merely because you report on his government, even in a critical manner, you will not face any reprisals,” he affirmed.
However, he urged journalists to use appropriate legal channels to seek redress when harmed by members of society and assured them of the government’s support in such cases.
“Please endeavor to use the appropriate channels to seek redress when other members of society harm you in any way. To every extent possible, the government will support efforts to ensure justice in these matters,” he reiterated.
He also distinguished between the actions of overzealous security officials and orchestrated attacks by the government, stating:
“We must distinguish between the actions of overzealous or errant security officials and other individuals in society, and orchestrated government attacks aimed at punishing journalists for exposing wrongdoing.
The latter is not happening, even if the former remains a concern. We are committed to ensuring that all professionals, including journalists, are able to work without fear of intimidation,” he added.
