Spokesperson for President John Mahama, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has rejected allegations that government is behind the recent assaults on journalists, describing the claims as “most regrettable” and unjust to all parties involved.
His remarks come in response to the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) president Kwabena Dwumfour’s condemnation of the Mahama administration over what he called an “unprecedented” surge in attacks on journalists, citing seven recorded cases since President Mahama took office.
Mr Dwumfour expressed frustration with the government’s perceived inaction and called for accountability.
Addressing the issue at a press briefing in Accra on Wednesday, February 19, Kwakye Ofosu criticised the narrative as misleading and damaging.
“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 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 even to the journalists who are reported to have been attacked,” he stated.
Revealing efforts to engage directly with the media, the Minister shared that he had spoken to the GJA President to understand the motivations behind the press conference and explore more constructive avenues for addressing concerns.
“We agreed that early next week there should be a direct interaction between my office and the GJA,” Kwakye Ofosu noted, emphasising a commitment to dialogue and resolution.
The Minister expressed disappointment at how the matter was framed, insisting it painted an unfair picture of President Mahama, who he described as “easy-going, down-to-earth, and affable.”
Highlighting the President’s longstanding rapport with the media, Kwakye Ofosu reminded the public that President Mahama is a GJA member in good standing.
“He will be the last person to supervise a dispensation where journalists are attacked,” he stressed.
Addressing suggestions that the government was targeting certain journalists in retaliation for critical reporting, Kwakye Ofosu categorically denied the claims.
“The way that the press conference was addressed and the way that the matters were couched created the impression that some journalists had perhaps said or written something that the government was unhappy about and therefore the government was carrying out reprisals against them.
“But that is completely incorrect. It is not true and nothing of the sort has happened,” he declared.
In closing, Kwakye Ofosu reiterated the government’s dedication to press freedom and assured that any allegations of assault against journalists will be addressed through constructive engagement rather than public recriminations.
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