President of the Republic of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, has assured journalists of full protection under his government, promising justice for media personnel who were attacked during recent national assignments and elections.
Speaking at the 29th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Media Awards held at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi on Saturday, November 8, 2025, President Mahama said investigations into acts of violence that affected journalists during the 2020 and 2024 elections have been completed.
“A total of twenty-one individuals have been identified; four have been arrested and released on bail, five remain on remand, and warrants have been issued for the remaining suspects,” he revealed.
“The Attorney-General is currently reviewing the report to determine the appropriate legal action and compensation for victims or their families. Justice will be pursued under the law.”
He stressed that his administration “will neither sanction nor tolerate any form of intimidation, interference, or attack on journalists.”
President Mahama expressed concern over Ghana’s declining press freedom rankings in recent years, warning that the trend threatens the country’s democratic reputation.
“Ghana faces a defining choice: to accept this gradual slide or to consciously reclaim our place as Africa’s torchbearer of media freedom,” he said.
“My administration has chosen the latter.”
Mahama promised to restore the “spirit of pre-2017,” when he said Ghanaian journalists worked freely and without fear.
He urged journalists to pair their freedom with integrity and accountability, cautioning against misinformation and sensationalism.
“The credibility of journalism depends on integrity, accuracy, and fairness,” he said.
“Too often, the race to ‘break the story first’ results in unverified publication and damage to reputation.”
Mahama proposed stronger verification systems within media houses and encouraged “peer accountability,” suggesting that journalists should help correct errors across platforms.
Touching on the digital landscape, President Mahama said new laws before Parliament, the Cybersecurity Amendment Bill and the Misinformation and Disinformation Bill, are not meant to gag free expression but to “safeguard citizens and uphold truth in the digital realm.”
He acknowledged public and media concerns about these bills and promised that “they will be addressed transparently and constructively.”
“Freedom of expression does not include the freedom to ruin reputations, threaten lives, or incite violence,” Mahama said.
President Mahama announced the reactivation of the Media Development Fund to improve welfare, capacity-building, and digital literacy.
“The Fund will support capacity-building, welfare, investigative journalism, digital literacy, and safety training, ensuring that journalists can work confidently, competently, and securely,” he said.
He also promised to maintain regular engagements with journalists, noting that his first media interaction as President in September would become an annual event.
Turning to the event’s theme – “Safeguarding Ghana’s Future: The Role of the Media in Promoting Peace, Security and the Fight Against Galamsey” – Mahama described illegal mining as a “national survival issue.”
He condemned attacks on journalists and security officers enforcing environmental laws, referencing an incident in which some journalists were injured during an EPA operation.
“I wish to notify communities that attack public officials and security personnel performing their lawful duties that firm action will be taken against them,” he warned.
He said he had directed the Chief of Staff to check on the injured journalists and help pay their medical bills.
President Mahama also announced expanded job opportunities under environmental programmes to deter youth from illegal mining.
“Youths recruited from communities affected by illegal mining will receive a monthly stipend of GH¢1,500,” he said.
“We are restoring degraded lands and protecting river bodies through the Tree for Life and Blue Water Guards initiatives.”
Mahama praised journalists like Erastus Asare Donkor for their courage in covering illegal mining stories “at great personal risk,” calling their work “patriotic.”
“I assure you as your President that I will never give up the fight,” he said.
Mahama outlined governance reforms under his “National Reset Agenda,” including a reformed Office of the Special Prosecutor, digitisation of judicial processes, and a new law requiring parliamentary approval for major state asset sales.
He also said his administration’s “24-Hour Economy” and “Big Push Infrastructure Plan” are designed to create jobs, improve logistics, and stimulate sustainable growth.
“Our development vision is centred on people, inclusive, and sustainable,” he said.
“We will ensure Ghana’s development never comes at the cost of its soul or its environment.”
With another election season approaching, President Mahama urged the media to help maintain national peace.
“Let us shun hate speech, avoid inflammatory rhetoric, and verify before we broadcast,” he said. “Freedom of speech is not the right to sow division.”
He said the upcoming National Dialogue on Peace and Security would involve journalists and faith-based leaders to help “encourage responsible communication and early detection of conflict triggers.”
“Peace is not the absence of noise. It’s the harmony of hearts. The media must serve as the rhythm that sustains that harmony,” Mahama added.
President Mahama quoted Ghana’s first leader, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah: “The press should be the vigilant watchdog of the people, not the lapdog of the powerful.”
“My government will uphold that vigilance,” Mahama vowed. “We will safeguard press freedom, protect journalists, and ensure that truth remains the foundation of our governance.”
“May the pen always remain mightier than fear,” he said to applause.
