President Mahama Urges Journalists to Balance Freedom With Responsibility, Pledges to Protect Press Rights
President John Dramani Mahama has called on Ghanaian journalists to uphold integrity and accountability in their work, emphasizing that true press freedom must go hand-in-hand with responsibility.
Speaking at the 29th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) event in Kumasi on Saturday 8th November, 2025, , President Mahama reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting media freedom while ensuring that journalism continues to serve the public interest.
“Freedom of expression does not include freedom to ruin reputations. Freedom of expression does not include freedom to threaten lives or incite violence,” President Mahama said. “The boundary of free speech is speech that endangers peace and human dignity.”
The President expressed concern about Ghana’s declining performance in global press freedom rankings, noting that the country’s long-standing reputation as a leader in media independence has weakened in recent years.
“In 2016 and 2017, we stood tall as a beacon of media independence in Africa. Our journalists worked without fear, and public debate thrived,” he recalled. “In recent years, I must say that promise has faded.”
President Mahama assured that his government is determined to reverse the trend.
“Ghana faces a defining choice — to accept this gradual slide or to consciously reclaim our place as Africa’s torchbearer of media freedom. My administration has chosen the latter,” he stated.
Progress on Election Violence Investigations
Addressing questions on election-related violence, President Mahama revealed that progress has been made in ongoing investigations.
“A total of 21 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 disclosed.
Support for Media Development
The President also announced the reactivation of the Media Development Fund, which aims to strengthen capacity-building and professionalism in the media industry. He further disclosed plans to hold regular presidential media engagements, with the next session scheduled for early next year.
Commendation for Investigative Journalists
On the fight against illegal mining, President Mahama commended journalists who risk their safety to expose environmental crimes.
“I wish to commend journalists like Erastus Asare Donkor and my dear brother Ohemeng Tawiah , who won the GJA Reporter on Illegal Mining Award, and many others who persist in exposing environmental crime at great personal risk. Your bravery is noted,” he said.
Message to Young Journalists
President Mahama ended his remarks with an appeal to the next generation of media professionals.
“Remember that journalism is not just a profession; it is a calling. It demands courage, humility, and unwavering dedication to the truth,” he urged.
The event brought together journalists, editors, and media owners from across the country, who engaged the President on issues affecting press freedom, media safety, and ethical journalism in Ghana.
