Media owners must invest in training, safety and fair remuneration – Kwakye Ofosu

Felix Kwake Ofosu, Minister in charge of Government Communications, has urged media owners and stakeholders to invest in professional training, improve working conditions, and ensure journalists' safety as they perform their duties.

Speaking at the 30th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Media Awards in Accra, he said journalists' safety should be taken seriously, and 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 accountability must follow where wrongdoing is established,” he noted.

Mr Ofosu highlighted journalism's contribution to national development and democracy, stressing that every institution committed to the rule of law should protect journalists.

He expressed the government’s commitment to protecting media freedom and urged the media to keep interrogating policies and ensure officials remain answerable to the people.

“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.”

“A government that is confident in its democratic credentials must be prepared to answer difficult questions and accept legitimate criticism,” he noted.

The Minister emphasised the dangers of hate speech on digital platforms, which stakeholders in the industry and beyond must confront without compromising the right to free speech.

He said there must be a clear distinction between criminal conduct and free speech, adding that combating hate speech must not justify suppressing critical journalism or unpopular opinions.

“Democracy thrives on disagreement and what it cannot accommodate is the deliberate incitement of hatred, violence and intolerance…our words in support of free speech must not ring hollow,” he said.

Mr Ofosu commended Ghana’s 39th ranking on the 2026 Press Freedom Index, urging stakeholders to continue promoting press freedom.

“The true measure of press freedom is whether a journalist can investigate wrongdoing without intimidation, report on public affairs without fear and express an independent editorial opinion without unlawful retaliation.”

“The day journalists stop asking difficult questions should be the day those in government begin to worry…a free media is not a threat to responsible government but its strongest safeguard…” he said.

He said the government will continue to maintain cordial relationships with the media and help unravel the circumstances surrounding the murder of investigative journalist Ahmed Sualley.

The ceremony, themed “30th GJA Media Awards: Celebrating Excellence, Advancing Media Freedom and Combating Hate Speech in the Digital Age,” celebrated the media’s contribution to Ghana’s democratic governance, national cohesion and socio-economic development, and renewed the call for responsible journalism, media freedom and professionalism in the digital era.

It also recognised national personalities whose exceptional leadership and service had impacted Ghana’s democratic governance, public service, security, traditional leadership, entrepreneurship and socio-economic development

Mr Alber Dwumfour, President of GJA, highlighted the evolving threats against journalists and called for a dedicated police focal point for journalist safety and complaints.

He said the Association will continue to protect journalists' interests and support legislation to improve practitioners' working conditions and welfare.