Mahama’s Government Dedicated to Press Freedom – Kwakye Ofosu Reaffirms

Introduction

On October 9, 2025, Ghana’s Minister of State for Government Communication, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, publicly restated the Mahama administration’s commitment to press freedom and open dialogue with the media. Speaking at the launch of the 29th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Media Awards in Accra, Kwakye Ofosu emphasized that the government will not use digital‑regulation tools as a means to suppress free expression. This article analyses the statements, places them within Ghana’s constitutional framework, and offers practical guidance for journalists, media houses, and civil‑society actors who monitor the evolving media‑policy landscape.

Analysis

Context of the Announcement

The remarks were delivered during a high‑profile event hosted at the Alisa Hotel, where the GJA honoured outstanding reporting across print, broadcast, and digital platforms. By choosing this venue, the government signaled a willingness to engage directly with the journalistic community at a moment when Ghana’s online discourse is increasingly shaped by social‑media algorithms and misinformation campaigns.

Key Themes in Kwakye Ofosu’s Statement

• Unwavering respect for democratic values: The minister highlighted President John Dramani Mahama’s personal tolerance for criticism and the administration’s broader dedication to democratic norms.
• Balanced approach to digital regulation: While acknowledging the dangers of “misinformation, incitement, and abuse,” the minister promised that any forthcoming legislation will be crafted without curbing legitimate journalism.
• Open channels for dialogue: Kwakye Ofosu assured media stakeholders that the government remains ready for continuous engagement, positioning the administration as a partner rather than an adversary.

Why the Emphasis on Online Platforms?

Ghana’s internet penetration reached approximately 67 % in 2024, according to the Ghana Statistical Service. This rapid digital uptake has amplified the speed at which false narratives spread, prompting policymakers worldwide to consider stronger regulatory frameworks. The Mahama government’s nuanced stance—condemning harmful content while protecting press freedom—reflects an attempt to strike a middle ground that respects constitutional guarantees.

Summary

Felix Kwakye Ofosu’s reaffirmation of press freedom underscores three core messages: (1) the Mahama administration respects the right to free expression; (2) any regulation of digital media will target harmful content, not legitimate journalism; and (3) the government invites ongoing dialogue with media professionals. These assurances align with Ghana’s constitutional commitment to a free press but will be tested as new legislation emerges.

Key Points

Practical Advice

For Journalists

• Stay informed about upcoming media bills: Monitor announcements from the Ministry of Communications and the Parliamentary Committee on Communications.
• Document interactions with officials: Keep written records of any engagements that could affect editorial independence.
• Adopt verification protocols: Use fact‑checking tools to combat misinformation while maintaining credibility.

For Media Organizations

• Develop internal editorial guidelines: Align policies with Ghana’s constitutional protections and the forthcoming regulatory framework.
• Engage in policy consultations: Participate in public hearings and submit position papers during the drafting stage of any new law.
• Invest in digital security: Protect newsroom data from cyber‑attacks that often accompany politically charged reporting.

For Civil‑Society and Advocacy Groups

• Facilitate multi‑stakeholder forums: Bring together journalists, technologists, and policymakers to discuss practical solutions to online abuse.
• Monitor compliance: Track the implementation of any legislation to ensure it does not infringe on press freedom.
• Educate the public: Run campaigns that explain the balance between combating misinformation and preserving free speech.

Points of Caution

• Potential over‑reach: Even well‑intentioned regulations can be misapplied to silence dissent if oversight mechanisms are weak.
• Ambiguity in legal language: Vague definitions of “misinformation” or “incitement” may give authorities discretionary power that threatens investigative journalism.
• Digital surveillance risks: The use of monitoring software, if not transparently regulated, could erode trust between journalists and the state.

Comparison

Ghana vs. Regional Approaches to Media Regulation

Compared with its neighbours, Ghana’s approach—publicly emphasizing dialogue and safeguards—appears more balanced, though the final shape of the draft bill will determine its true impact on press freedom.

Legal Implications

Ghana’s legal environment offers robust protections for journalists, yet several statutes intersect with the government’s stated goals:

1. Constitution of Ghana (1992), Article 21: Guarantees freedom of speech, expression, and the press, subject only to reasonable restrictions in the interest of public order, safety, or morality.
2. Right to Information Act (2019): Enables journalists to request official documents, reinforcing transparency.
3. Criminal Libel Law (Section 101 of the Criminal Offences Act): Allows for prosecution of defamatory statements, which can be misused to intimidate reporters.
4. Proposed Digital Media Regulation Bill: While still in draft, the bill aims to criminalize the intentional spread of false information that could threaten public safety. Critics warn that the lack of precise definitions could lead to over‑broad enforcement.

Legal experts advise that any new legislation should include:

• Clear, narrow definitions of prohibited content.
• Independent oversight bodies with representation from media organisations.
• Safeguards for whistleblowers and investigative journalists.

Conclusion

Felix Kwakye Ofosu’s reaffirmation of Ghana’s dedication to press freedom signals a constructive, albeit cautious, stance from the Mahama administration. By pledging openness to dialogue and emphasizing that digital‑regulation tools will not become weapons against free expression, the government aligns itself with constitutional guarantees and international best practices. However, the ultimate test will be the precise language of any forthcoming digital media legislation and the robustness of oversight mechanisms. Ongoing vigilance by journalists, media houses, and civil‑society advocates remains essential to ensure that Ghana’s media landscape stays vibrant, independent, and resilient against both misinformation and undue state interference.

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