Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has called on media owners and industry stakeholders to invest in professional training, improve journalists’ working conditions and prioritise their safety.
Speaking at the 30th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Media Awards in Accra, he stressed that journalists must be able to carry out their duties without fear of assault, intimidation or unlawful detention.
He said attacks against journalists, particularly those allegedly involving security personnel, must be thoroughly investigated, with perpetrators held accountable where wrongdoing is established.
“Allegations of attacks, including those involving security personnel, must be investigated and accountability must follow where wrongdoing is established,” he said.
Kwakye Ofosu also highlighted the important role of journalism in strengthening democracy and promoting national development, noting that protecting journalists should be a shared responsibility of all institutions committed to the rule of law.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to media freedom and encouraged journalists to continue scrutinising public policies and holding public officials accountable.
He maintained that the government did not expect favourable media coverage in exchange for engagement with journalists, nor should the media compromise its editorial independence in the name of partnership.
“We do not expect favourable headlines as a condition for engagement, nor do we expect journalists to surrender their editorial independence in the name of partnership,” he stated.
According to him, a government that believes in its democratic credentials must be willing to face difficult questions and accept legitimate criticism from the media.
“A government that is confident in its democratic credentials must be prepared to answer difficult questions and accept legitimate criticism,” he added.
