Kwakye Ofosu: Death threats against President not free speech

The government's chief spokesperson, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has stated that threats to kill President John Dramani Mahama and his children are not free speech but "brazen criminality". Speaking at the 30th Ghana Journalists Association Media Awards in Accra, Mr Kwakye Ofosu warned politicians against defending violent incitement for partisan gain. He made the comments on behalf of the President.

Mr Kwakye Ofosu, the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, stressed that combating hate speech must not be used as a pretext to silence dissent. He emphasized that democracy thrives on disagreement, but not on the deliberate incitement of hatred, violence, and intolerance. A clear distinction must be struck between criminal conduct and the expression of free speech, he stated.

The Minister urged political leaders to remain consistent in their defence of press freedom, particularly when journalists face threats for publishing uncomfortable truths. He referenced the case of journalists who had to flee Ghana for fear of their lives due to publishing uncomfortable truths. The government must support free speech without conditions, he said.

Mr Kwakye Ofosu renewed the government's pledge to find the killers of investigative journalist Ahmed Suale, who was gunned down in Madina, Accra, in January 2019. The government remains committed to unraveling the murder, which remains unsolved. No one has been convicted for the killing, and a suspect was discharged in October 2025 following advice from the Attorney-General.

The Minister addressed the government's relationship with the press, stating that the administration does not demand positive coverage as a condition for engagement. The government expects journalists to maintain their editorial independence and does not expect favourable headlines. The media must be free to scrutinise public spending and question official decisions.

Mr Kwakye Ofosu emphasized that journalists must be protected from unlawful detention and physical attacks. No journalist should be assaulted, threatened, or unlawfully detained for undertaking a legitimate professional assignment. Allegations of attacks, including those involving security personnel, must be investigated, and where wrongdoing is established, accountability must follow.

The 30th Ghana Journalists Association Media Awards ceremony, held under the theme "Celebrating Excellence, Advancing Media Freedom and Combating Hate Speech in the Digital Age," honoured winners from 53 nominees. The GJA has recorded more than 50 incidents involving attacks, arrests, and harassment of journalists between 2022 and January 2026.

Key points

• Threats to kill President John Dramani Mahama and his children are considered "brazen criminality" and not free speech.
• The government remains committed to finding the killers of investigative journalist Ahmed Suale.
• The administration does not demand positive coverage as a condition for engagement with the press.