Ghana's President Mahama Allocates GH¢10 Million to Support Journalists

President John Dramani Mahama has allocated GH¢10 million to the Media Development Fund to support journalists and promote the development of the media industry in Ghana. This move reinforces his administration's commitment to protecting press freedom and strengthening media independence. The allocation was announced during the 30th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Awards, highlighting the government's dedication to upholding the media's constitutional mandate.

President Mahama emphasized the importance of protecting journalists from threats and attacks while performing their duties. He pledged to take action against any institution or individual who assaults media practitioners, ensuring that reporters who report threats to their lives will have their cases treated seriously. This commitment aims to create a safer environment for journalists to operate freely and responsibly.

The President also addressed the issue of false information, urging journalists to exercise greater responsibility in verifying information before publication or broadcast. He stressed the need for journalists to establish the source and authenticity of recordings before airing them, promoting a culture of fact-based reporting. This approach will help maintain the credibility of the media industry and prevent the spread of misinformation.

Meanwhile, the President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, expressed concerns about the use of media station closures as a punitive measure for regulatory breaches. He warned that such closures have implications for journalists' livelihoods and press freedom, affecting not only the organizations involved but also the media professionals who depend on them for their jobs.

Dwumfour highlighted Ghana's 39th position in the 2026 Reporters Without Borders (RSF) World Press Freedom Index, describing it as an important indicator of the country's standing in press freedom protection. He stressed that public authorities must exercise their powers in ways that protect citizens' rights and strengthen confidence in democratic governance, ensuring that the exercise of regulatory authority does not harm journalists or diminish their freedom.

The GJA President reaffirmed the need for a media environment where journalists can work freely and responsibly without undue interference. He emphasized that public authority must be exercised in a way that inspires confidence and reassures citizens that their entrusted power is not being used to trample upon their rights or diminish their freedom. This environment will enable journalists to perform their duties effectively, promoting a healthy and functioning democracy.

The allocation of GH¢10 million to the Media Development Fund and the discussions at the GJA Awards underscore the government's commitment to promoting press freedom and supporting journalists in Ghana. The initiatives aim to create a conducive environment for media practitioners to operate freely, responsibly, and without fear of reprisal, ultimately contributing to a robust and independent media landscape in the country.

Key points

• President Mahama allocates GH¢10 million to support journalists and promote media development in Ghana.
• The President emphasizes the importance of protecting journalists from threats and attacks while performing their duties.
• The GJA President warns against using media station closures as a punitive measure, citing implications for journalists' livelihoods and press freedom.