The Spokesperson to President Mahama and Minister of Government Communications, Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has pushed back against the Ghana Journalists Association’s (GJA) recent claims that the government has been complicit in attacks on journalists.
The Minister expressed concern over what he described as a misleading narrative that sought to associate President John Mahama’s administration with acts of aggression against members of the media.
During a press conference held by the GJA, the association alleged that seven journalists had been attacked since President Mahama assumed office.
The GJA implied that these attacks reflected a broader hostility towards the media, a claim that Felix Kwakye Ofosu has strongly disputed.
According to him, such assertions are not only unfair to the President and his administration but also to the journalists affected.
Hon. Kwakye Ofosu emphasized that following the press conference, he engaged the President of the GJA to discuss the matter in his capacity as Minister for Government Communications.
“I sought to find out exactly what informed the press conference and why, other alternative approaches were not adopted to discuss the matters to seek redress for those who may have been affected.
“After the conversation, we agreed that early next week, there should be, a direct interaction between my office with GJA. So I hope that that meeting comes off and at that meeting, we’ll be able to, address any concerns that journalists may have
Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Spokesperson to President Mahama and Minister of Government Communications
The Minister however, expressed dismay over the way the GJA presented its claims, arguing that the narrative painted a false impression of the government’s stance on press freedom.
“All of you are aware that President Mahama is an easygoing, affable individual who relates very well with all manner of people. He is a member of the Ghana Journalist Association in good standing.
“Essentially, he is one of you. He is a member of the Inky fraternity and would be the last person to tolerate or supervise attacks on journalists”.
Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Spokesperson to President Mahama and Minister of Government Communications
According to him, the suggestion that the government was orchestrating attacks against journalists was entirely incorrect and misleading.
“When I inquired from the President of the Ghana Journalist Association, he cited some specific instances such as journalists being roughed up during the recent Council of State Elections and the reported attack on Erastus Asare Donkor by illegal miners.
“But these are incidents involving individuals acting outside the scope of government control. These are acts of criminality, which should be treated as such and handled by law enforcement agencies”.
Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Spokesperson to President Mahama and Minister of Government Communications
Hon. Kwakye Ofosu stressed that these incidents should be distinguished from direct government actions against journalists, which he said had not happened under President Mahama’s tenure.
He likened the argument to a situation where a journalist gets into a traffic dispute and is assaulted, noting that it would be unreasonable to attribute such an incident to the President simply because he is in office.
The Role of Law Enforcement in Media Protection
Hon. Kwakye Ofosu further emphasized that the responsibility for investigating and prosecuting crimes against journalists rested with law enforcement agencies, not the government.
He urged the GJA to direct its inquiries regarding the status of investigations to the appropriate security agencies rather than attributing blame to the administration.
“The GJA has every right to inquire about the status of investigations, but that inquiry should be addressed to law enforcement officials who have jurisdiction over these matters.
“President Mahama will not, under any circumstance, tolerate a situation where journalists are attacked for doing their work, especially in holding governments accountable”.
Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Spokesperson to President Mahama and Minister of Government Communications
Drawing comparisons with previous administrations, Hon. Kwakye Ofosu argued that the Mahama government had shown more commitment to media freedom than its predecessors.
He referenced the killing of journalist Ahmed Suale under the Akufo-Addo administration and the attack on Starr FM’s Edward Adati for exposing alleged corrupt dealings involving a regional minister at the time.
Mahama’s Stance on Press Freedom
The Minister of State in charge of Government Communications Hon. Kwakye Ofosu highlighted President Mahama’s track record of tolerating media criticism, in addition to his commitment to press freedom.
He noted that the President had faced harsh criticisms from the press in the past but had never retaliated or attempted to suppress press freedom.
“Unlike under former President Akufo-Addo where journalists had to flee the country because the state was pursuing them, President Mahama has consistently shown support for journalists. He has welcomed even his fiercest critics to his home and office, attended their book launches, and extended olive branches to them”.
Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Spokesperson to President Mahama and Minister of Government Communications
The Minister dismissed the notion that President Mahama’s administration harboured any animosity toward journalists, stating that even when journalists published inaccurate reports about the government, the President had always engaged them rather than resorting to punitive actions.
Seeking Constructive Solutions
Hon. Kwakye Ofosu reiterated the government’s commitment to engaging with the GJA to resolve any concerns.
He assured journalists in Ghana that they had the full backing of President Mahama and would not face any reprisals simply for reporting critically about the government.
However, he encouraged media professionals to seek redress through appropriate legal channels when harmed by individuals or overzealous security personnel.
“The government will lend its support to efforts aimed at ensuring justice for affected journalists. However, it is important to distinguish between isolated incidents involving law enforcement officials or civilians and orchestrated attacks sanctioned by the government. The latter is not happening under President Mahama’s leadership, even if the former is concerning”.
Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Spokesperson to President Mahama and Minister of Government Communications
In conclusion, the Minister urged all stakeholders, including journalists and media organizations, to engage in constructive dialogue with the government rather than painting a misleading picture of systemic attacks.
He reaffirmed that the upcoming meeting between his office and the GJA leadership would provide an opportunity to address any lingering concerns and ensure the protection of press freedom in Ghana.
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