By Sharon Zoe Williams
President John Dramani Mahama has condemned the recent spate of attacks on journalists in Ghana, describing it as unacceptable. Speaking during a visit to the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) on Thursday, December 8, 2026, President Mahama, a journalist by training, reiterated his government’s commitment to protecting media practitioners.
“My views on that are known. I’m a journalist by training, and we will not countenance the continued assault on journalists,” he said in response to a question from GBC journalist George Sappor.
The President’s remarks came against the backdrop of several incidents of violence against journalists, including alleged attacks by personnel from the police, military, and the most recent being National Fire Service. President Mahama assured that his government was working closely with the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) and security agencies to address the issue.
He emphasized the need for security personnel to understand that journalists are not adversaries, but rather 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,” he said.
President Mahama disclosed that his government had already taken steps to address the situation, including interdicting identified officers and launching investigations into the incidents.
The Minister of Government Communications has been tasked with ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to justice. “The officers identified, interdicted, and investigations are underway,” the President said, adding that his government would not tolerate attacks on journalists.
The President acknowledged that while efforts were being made to address the issue, occasional incidents might still occur. However, he warned that such incidents would be dealt with firmly.
“When they do, they must be dealt with as firmly as possible,” he said. President Mahama reiterated his government’s commitment to protecting journalists and ensuring that they can do their work without fear of intimidation or violence.
The President’s assurance has been welcomed by media practitioners and civil society organizations, who have been calling for greater protection for journalists. The GJA has also recently commended the President’s stance, saying it reflects his government’s commitment to media freedom and freedom of expression.
