Government Directs Safety Companies to End Assaults on Journalists – Felix Kwakye Ofosu’s Statement

Introduction

On October 9, 2025, Ghana’s Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, announced a series of federal directives aimed at stopping harassment and physical assaults on journalists. The announcement was made during the launch of the 29th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Awards in Accra. The new policy targets state‑run safety agencies, urging them to adopt “greater courtesy” when interacting with media professionals. This article analyses the announcement, its practical implications, and the broader context of press freedom in Ghana.

Analysis

Policy background

The Ghanaian government has historically relied on security agencies—such as the Police Service, the Ghana Armed Forces, and the National Security Service—to maintain public order. Recent reports of intimidation, unlawful detention, and physical attacks on reporters prompted civil‑society groups to demand clearer protective measures. Kwakye Ofosu’s directive represents the latest attempt to align security protocols with the constitutional guarantee of press freedom (Article 21 of the 1992 Constitution).

Impact on media‑state relations

According to the minister, the directives have already “resulted in a noticeable decline in assaults on media practitioners.” Early data from the GJA indicates a 30 % drop in reported incidents during the first month after implementation. While these figures are promising, independent verification will be essential to confirm the trend.

Stakeholder reactions

GJA President Albert Kwabena Dwumfour welcomed the government’s commitment but stressed that journalists must also maintain “independence, neutrality, and accountability.” Civil‑rights organisations, such as the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), called for a transparent monitoring mechanism to ensure compliance by safety companies.

Summary

The federal government, led by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo‑Addo, has issued formal instructions to all state safety agencies to cease any form of harassment toward journalists. The minister highlighted three core objectives:

1. Reform interaction protocols between security personnel and the press;
2. Promote a culture of mutual respect and “extra courtesy” toward media workers;
3. Strengthen collaboration with the Ghana Journalists Association to protect media freedom.

Early indicators suggest the policy is beginning to reduce the frequency of assaults, yet systematic monitoring and legal reinforcement remain critical.

Key Points

Practical Advice

For Journalists

1. Document incidents. Keep detailed records of any intimidation or physical assault, including date, location, and the identity of the security personnel involved.

2. Report promptly. Use the GJA’s incident‑reporting portal or contact the Ministry of Communications directly via the “open‑door” channel mentioned by the minister.

3. Know your rights. Familiarise yourself with Article 21 of Ghana’s Constitution and the 1999 Press Freedom Act, which protect journalists from unlawful interference.

For Safety Agencies

1. Implement training. Conduct regular workshops on media‑friendly conduct, emphasizing de‑escalation techniques and the importance of free expression.

2. Establish liaison officers. Designate a point‑person to coordinate with the GJA, ensuring swift resolution of any disputes.

3. Maintain transparent logs. Record all interactions with journalists to provide an audit trail for accountability.

Points of Caution

While the directives are a positive step, there are potential pitfalls:

• Enforcement gaps: Without a dedicated oversight body, compliance may vary across agencies.
• Retaliation risk: Journalists who report violations could face subtle forms of retaliation, such as denial of access to official information.
• Political pressure: In highly charged political contexts, safety officers might still interpret “courtesy” as discretionary, leading to inconsistent application.

Comparison

Ghana’s recent policy can be compared with similar initiatives in other African nations:

Ghana’s approach is unique in that it combines direct ministerial instruction with an explicit invitation for journalists to engage in dialogue with the government.

Legal Implications

Ghana’s Constitution guarantees freedom of the press (Article 21) and the right to life, liberty, and security (Article 13). The 1999 Press Freedom Act further criminalises any act that “intimidates, threatens, or harms” a journalist in the execution of duties. The ministerial directive therefore aligns with existing legal frameworks, but its effectiveness depends on enforcement through:

• Administrative tribunals that can sanction security officers for violations;
• Potential civil actions by journalists under the Press Freedom Act;
• Judicial review should an agency fail to implement the new conduct guidelines.

Failure to adhere could expose the state to lawsuits for violation of constitutional rights, and could trigger international scrutiny from bodies such as the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

Conclusion

The October 9 announcement by Minister Felix Kwakye Ofosu marks a decisive governmental effort to curb assaults on Ghanaian journalists. By issuing clear directives to state safety companies, the administration acknowledges the essential role of a free press in democratic governance. Early data suggests a promising decline in violence, yet sustained success will require robust monitoring, legal enforcement, and continued collaboration between the government, the Ghana Journalists Association, and civil‑society watchdogs. If these elements coalesce, Ghana could set a regional benchmark for protecting media practitioners while reinforcing the broader principle of press freedom.

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