Government does not expect favourable headlines from media – Kwakye Ofosu

The government has reaffirmed its commitment to media freedom, saying it does not expect favourable headlines from journalists as a condition for engagement with the media.

Speaking on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama at the 30th GJA Media Awards in Accra, Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, said the media must be free to question government, scrutinise public expenditure, investigate public institutions and examine decisions taken by public officials.

He said the government recognises that a democratic administration must be prepared to respond to difficult questions and accept legitimate criticism.

“We do not expect favourable headlines as a condition for engagement, nor do we expect journalists to surrender their editorial independence in the name of partnership. Indeed, a government that is confident in its democratic credentials must be prepared to answer difficult questions and accept legitimate criticism,” he stated.

Mr Kwakye Ofosu said journalists must be allowed to criticise government when it falls short, acknowledge achievements when they are delivered and demand explanations whenever the public interest requires it.

“The media must be free to criticise whenever there's a shortfall, acknowledge achievements when we deliver, and demand explanations whenever the public interest requires it,” he said.

The Minister also highlighted the need to protect journalists from attacks, threats and unlawful detention while carrying out their professional duties.

He said allegations of attacks, including those involving security personnel, must be investigated and accountability pursued where wrongdoing is established.

“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,” he stated.

The comments come amid concerns about the safety of journalists and the state of media freedom in Ghana.

The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has recorded more than 50 incidents involving attacks, arrests and harassment of journalists between 2022 and January 2026.

The government says it will continue to work with media stakeholders to ensure that constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression and media independence are reflected in the everyday experiences of journalists.