Mahama Vows Zero Tolerance for Attacks on Journalists, Pledges Safer Media Environment

President John Mahama has reaffirmed his strong commitment to press freedom, declaring that his administration will not tolerate any form of assault on journalists.

Speaking at the Presidential Media Encounter at Jubilee House on Wednesday, September 10, Mahama condemned the rising incidents of harassment against media practitioners, particularly by security personnel at public events.

“Journalists are doing their job to inform, educate, and entertain the public. I’ve condemned assaults on journalists in any form,” Mahama said. He expressed concern over what he described as a “passion” among some security officers to target journalists, urging an end to this trend through education and sanctions.

Mahama revealed plans to foster collaboration between the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) and security agencies to raise awareness. “A journalist at an event is doing their job, just like a security officer. No one has the right to assault or manhandle them,” he emphasized. He also committed to working with media stakeholders to ensure a safe and supportive environment for journalists.

As a lifetime GJA member, Mahama reiterated, “There’s no way I’ll condone the assault of journalists.” His remarks come amid growing concerns over media safety, with recent reports of journalists facing aggression at public gatherings