President John Dramani Mahama has condemned the recent surge in attacks on journalists in Ghana, calling the incidents unacceptable and pledging his government’s commitment to safeguarding media practitioners.
Speaking during a visit to the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) on Thursday, January 8, 2026, the President, himself a trained journalist, responded to questions from GBC journalist George Sappor:
“My views on that are known. I’m a journalist by training, and we will not countenance the continued assault on journalists,” he said.
The remarks come in the wake of multiple attacks on journalists, reportedly involving personnel from the police, military, and most recently, the National Fire Service. President Mahama assured that his administration is working closely with the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) and security agencies to address the issue.
He stressed that security personnel must recognize that journalists are not adversaries but partners in serving the public interest.
“Just as security personnel are doing their job of providing peace and safety, journalists are also doing their job of informing the people about what is happening. They are not antagonistic to each other; they are both serving the same public,” the President noted.
President Mahama revealed that the government has already taken action, including interdicting identified officers and launching investigations into the incidents. The Minister of Government Communications has been tasked with ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.
“The officers identified, interdicted, and investigations are underway,” he said, adding, “When such incidents occur, they must be dealt with as firmly as possible.”
While acknowledging that isolated incidents may still occur, the President reaffirmed that his administration will not tolerate attacks on journalists and remains committed to ensuring that media practitioners can operate without fear of intimidation or violence.
His statements have been welcomed by media professionals and civil society organizations, with the GJA praising the President for reflecting a strong commitment to media freedom and freedom of expression.
