Assaults on journalists: Gov’t will soon partner security heads to sensitise personnel — Kwakye Ofosu

The government has announced plans to work closely with security agencies to sensitise personnel on how to interact with journalists and prevent assaults.

Minister of State in charge of Government Communication, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, said the move comes as part of the administration’s commitment to uphold press freedom and protect media personnel.

He emphasized that any assault, heckling, or harassment of journalists or citizens is unacceptable.

Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on Wednesday, January 14, Kwakye Ofosu highlighted the need for security personnel to recognise the critical role journalists play in promoting transparency and accountability.

“Government condemns this sort of posturing, and in the coming weeks, we will be engaging the heads of the various security agencies to organise a series of activities to draw the attention of all members of Ghana security agencies that journalists are partners,” he said.

He stressed that journalists have the right to investigate and inform the public without fear of attack.

“All manner of people who work within the public space are subject to scrutiny and accountability, and therefore the work you do goes a long way to enhance that. Under no circumstance should you come under attack or any form of harassment because you are doing your job,” Kwakye Ofosu added.

The minister’s remarks follow a recent alleged assault on Class Media Group journalist Samuel Addo by some firefighters at Kasoa New Market.

President Mahama condemned the incident and called for an investigation, after he confirmed to the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation that the perpetrators had been interdicted after a preliminary probe.