President John Dramani Mahama has called for a shift in mindset among some security personnel, stressing that journalists and security officers perform complementary roles in serving the public.
He explained that while security agencies are mandated to ensure peace and safety, journalists are equally tasked with informing the public, noting that the two professions are not adversaries but partners in democratic governance.
“We need a reorientation of many of our security personnel to appreciate that as they work to maintain peace and security, journalists are also carrying out their duty to inform the public. We are all serving the same society,” he said.
President Mahama made the remarks during an official working visit to the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) on Wednesday, January 8, 2026, in response to a question on attacks against journalists, particularly the recent assault on a Class FM journalist in Kasoa by personnel of the Ghana National Fire Service (GFS).
He strongly condemned the incident and disclosed that the officers involved have been identified and interdicted, pending the outcome of ongoing investigations.
“I am a journalist by training, and there is no way we can tolerate the continued assault on journalists,” the President stated.
He added that the government is engaging both the Ghana Journalists Association and the various security agencies to address the issue and prevent future occurrences.
“We have been in touch with the Ghana Journalists Association and have facilitated engagement with the security services to deal with these matters,” he noted.
While acknowledging that such incidents may occur from time to time, President Mahama insisted that they must be handled decisively whenever they arise.
“When they happen, they must be dealt with firmly,” he cautioned.
The President further revealed that the Minister of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, is overseeing the matter and confirmed that disciplinary action has already been taken.
“The officers have been identified, interdicted, and investigations are ongoing. We will not countenance any assault on journalists,” he concluded.
