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Former President John Mahama has promised to work closely with the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) to restore Ghana’s reputation as a model of press freedom in West Africa and beyond. During a meeting with a GJA delegation on September 4, 2025, Mahama expressed concern about Ghana’s declining ranking on the World Press Freedom Index.
Mahama cited the harassment of journalists and the murder of investigative journalist Ahmed Suale as issues that have tarnished Ghana’s international image. He emphasized the need for those who attack journalists to face sanctions to serve as a deterrent. “We need to find a way of ensuring that people who do that kind of thing face sanctions or are punished because once there is no deterrent, they continue to do it,” he said.
The former President also announced plans to establish a forum for dialogue between journalists and security agencies to educate officers that journalists are partners in national development, not adversaries. He expressed his commitment to collaborating with the GJA to improve Ghana’s press freedom ranking.
The GJA President, Albert Dwumfuor, urged the government to tighten legislation against those who attack journalists, stressing that current laws, which are too weak to serve as a deterrent. He also called for compensation for journalists who have been assaulted in the line of duty.
The meeting between the President and the GJA delegation highlights the need for greater protection and support for journalists in Ghana. As the country strives to reclaim its position as a model of press freedom, it is clear that more needs to be done to ensure the safety and security of journalists.
