The government has also criticised the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) for not using the appropriate channels to address matters of assaults on journalists.
The GJA condemned the Mahama administration at a press briefing on Tuesday, February 19, 2025, citing seven cases of journalist attacks since the start of President Mahama’s term, describing the situation as unprecedented.
In response, the government indicated that it would engage with the GJA next week to discuss the matters arising.
“The GJA president had a press conference yesterday, in which it was claimed that seven journalists had been attacked and statements were made that sought to create the impression that there is some design by President Mahama and his government to attack journalists. It is a most regrettable narrative. We do not think that it is fair to President Mahama, the government, the GJA, or the journalists who were reported to have been attacked.
“After the press conference, I engaged the President of GJA in my capacity as the Minister for Government Communications which then means that journalists like you are who we work with are part of the stakeholders that we need to engage regularly. I sought to find out exactly what informed that press conference and why other alternative approaches were not adopted to discuss the matters with the view to seeking redress for those who might have been affected.
“After the conversation, we agreed that early next week there should be a direct interaction between my office and the GJA. So I hope that that meeting comes off and at that meeting, we will be able to address any concerns that journalists have. That said I must also express dismay about the way that narrative was woven. It created a certain misleading impression about the government and about President Mahama which should be straightened. All of you are aware that President Mahama is an easy-going, down-to-earth affable individual who relates well with all manner of people. He is a member of the GJA in good standing. Essentially he is one of you and therefore will be the last person to supervise a dispensation where journalists are attacked,” he stated.
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