My Open letter to President Mahama, GJA member, on Press Freedom Day 2026

Dear President John Mahama,

As the global media marks World Press Freedom Day (WPFD), observed on May 3, against the backdrop of the recent demonstration in Sunyani, I can't help reflecting on a supreme irony: that it is under your watch, you a member of the Ghana Journalists Association, that such a protest march was found necessary.

You have often proudly identified yourself as a member of the Association; and the GJA, too, appreciates that.

Your Excellency, as you are no doubt aware, Zambia is hosting the World Press Freedom Day May 4 - 5, under the theme 'Shaping a Future at Peace: Promoting Press Freedom for Human Rights, Development, and Security'.

You may remember that when Ghana hosted the observance in 2018, the theme was 'Keeping Power in Check: Media, Justice and the Rule of Law'. Thus, as demonstrated by the two themes, protection of civil liberties is key to journalism. However, regrettably, last December, the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) clearly felt duty-bound to draw attention to current disturbing incidents in the country regarding freedom of expression and civil liberties.

Still, it's certainly gratifying that Ghana has vastly improved in the global press freedom listings: “Ghana ranked 39th out of 180 countries in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index …Rising from 52nd in 2025 …Ghana ranks 4th in Africa, indicating a significant improvement in media conditions ….”

Nevertheless, evidently, all is not well on Ghana's freedom of expression front. We seem to be returning to the 'culture of silence' period, as reflected by the Sunyani protest against the mounting instances of suppression of freedom of expression.

Mr. President, I was privileged to have been a participant in the seminal meeting that resulted in the UN setting aside a day to honour press freedom. That meeting was the 'Seminar on Promoting an Independent and Pluralistic African Press', held in Windhoek, Namibia, April 29 to May 3, 1991. Observing WPFD on May 3 honours the date the Seminar concluded, with the 'Windhoek Declaration'.

I am especially proud that Ghana was represented; and that I participated as an editor and a voice for the independent press in Ghana, courtesy of a surprise invitation to me from UNESCO. Moreover, my plea for urgent funding support for the independent media, featured in the conference report.

Considering myself a Windhoek Seminar stakeholder, I feel a particular concern about realising the essence of Windhoek, as emphasised in the Declaration: “The world-wide trend towards democracy and freedom of information and expression is a fundamental contribution to the fulfilment of human aspirations.”

Mr. President, I recall that at the GJA Awards celebration in Kumasi, held at the Manhyia Palace on November, 2025, you had an exhilarating message for the media:

The Ghanaian Times of November 10, 2025, reported: “President John Dramani Mahama has pledged to uphold press freedom and ensure that no journalist lives in fear under his administration.”

But shouldn't your promise apply to all Ghanaians?

Therefore, I have been wondering why you seem not to care that you're in danger of leaving a legacy of hostility to free expression; intimidation of political opponents and disregard of their rights and dignity. Unfortunately, examples are numerous.

Mr. President, as one of the Windhoek Seminar cohort, it would be absolutely remiss of me if I didn't draw your attention to the distressing situation illustrated by the MFWA statement and the April 22 Sunyani protest.

The rallying cry of the Sunyani protest was Yennsuro ahunahuna (meaning “We are not afraid of intimidation”).

As reported by Asaase Radio, April 22: “The protest …underscores rising political tensions and deepening concerns over civil liberties.

“The demonstration was triggered by the arrest of the NPP's Sunyani East Communications Officer, Abubakar Yakubu, popularly known as Baba Amando, alongside several other party activists.

“Party leaders say the arrests represent a worrying pattern that threatens fundamental freedoms, particularly the right to free expression and political participation.

“This is not just about one individual; it is about protecting the democratic space for all Ghanaians.”

Background to the Sunyani march:

Mr. Yakubu, was arrested on April 13, 2026.

As reported by an online reference source: His alleged offences:

• sharing altered, derogatory images and posts on Facebook mocking President John Dramani Mahama, as well as Sam George and Felix Ofosu Kwakye, regarding their stance on the Anti-LGBTQ+ bill.
• allegedly publishing false information and engaging in conduct likely to cause fear and panic.

Arrest and legal proceedings:

• Baba Amando was picked up by the Bono Regional Police on April 13 and transferred to Accra under heavy security.
• He was remanded on April 14, 2026, by an Accra Circuit Court.
• On April 17, 2026, he was granted bail in the sum of GH¢30,000 with two sureties.
• He is required to report to the police every two weeks.

The MFWA statement, published in December 2025, under the heading 'MFWA condemns creeping criminalisation of speech in Ghana; calls for urgent reversals', was a comprehensive statement detailing some of the anti-free expression incidents and arrests. Equally importantly, it suggested critical remedies.

The Foundation pointed out:

“Today, the current administration's first-resort reliance on high handed deployments of National Security operatives and the Police to arrest and detain critics represent a gravedigging betrayal of (the) freedom of expression legacy …

“The appropriate avenue for addressing defamation and reputational injury, which include the use of rejoinders, arbitration by the National Media Commission or civil defamation suits, should remain the remedies available to all.

“Criminal prosecution, which threatens the liberty of the citizen, is a disproportionate tool … Ghana's reputation as a beacon of media freedom in Africa is under threat, ” the MFWA emphasised.

The GJA, too, has often criticised the application of laws that seek to stifle free expression, as GJA President Albert Dwumfour noted in a statement delivered on March 18, 2026 at a news conference.

Definitely, irresponsible journalism, or conduct, shouldn't be condoned, but when they occur, legal sanctions should apply, not over the top intimidation tactics contemptuous of suspects' dignity.

Interestingly, in April, addressing the Ghanaian community in Spain, speaking in Twi and English, Ghana's Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa told the Ghanaian community:

“Under the leadership of President Mahama and Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, you can't touch a Ghanaian, you can't deny any Ghanaian their right, you (can't) undermine the dignity of any Ghanaian, and think that that Ghanaian is alone.”

Mr. Ablakwa, was on a visit to Spain with Vice-President Prof Opoku-Agyemang, and giving an update on the “suspicious death” of a Ghanaian student in Latvia.

Such noble, admirable words from Mr. Ablakwa about dignity! And, Mr. President, I believe he spoke for you and the Government. Agreed, the dignity of every Ghanaian abroad is important, and it's reassuring for our Government to emphasise that fact to other governments and other people.

But, Your Excellency, what about the dignity of every Ghanaian in Ghana, too?

Surely, intimidation of people deemed suspects, especially by security service agents and the police, the 'I-will-show-you-where-power-lies' mode, is serious denigration of their dignity.

Ironically, sometimes when current actions are criticised, one hears as a defence by the DC reference to similar actions under the NPP. But, Mr. President, your 2024 campaign slogan promised the country “a reset”. Is resetting not “an instance or period of doing things differently”? How then can it be that past wrongs are being copied or repeated?

Nevertheless, I believe that you have the power to make amends, signal that weaponisation of speech will no more be tolerated under you; that the dignity of every Ghanaian is hallowed, even if they are a suspect in a court case.

Mr. President, the GJA constitution commits members to uphold “FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION” and “serving as the WATCHDOG of the people's rights and liberties.” Thus, some of us would like to see you demonstrate that you will ensure that your legacy reflects your GJA background.

Again, I wonder how you would like to be remembered when you leave office. It would be indefensible for you to be remembered as the member of the GJA who rose to the supreme political position, yet looked on as thinly disguised censorship actions happened.

Above all, let it not be said that you, a GJA member who had the power to enhance and cement free expression, media freedom, and civil liberties, encouraged the dismantling of these fundamentals during your time in office.

But I believe that it's not too late to reverse that distressing prospect and leave an inspirational legacy.

Your Excellency, best wishes for WPFD 2026!

And, respectfully, thank you for your attention, Mr. President.

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