The Office of the President has issued a strong condemnation of what it describes as an "attempted arrest of a JoyNews reporter and the assault of an eyewitness by a soldier" at a demolition site.
According to a statement signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Spokesperson to President John Dramani Mahama and Minister for Government Communications, the action taken by the soldier is "utterly unacceptable to the John Mahama administration and [has] no place in our democratic society." President Mahama, through his spokesperson, reaffirmed his administration's dedication to press freedom and journalist safety. "I am directed by President John Dramani Mahama to unequivocally reaffirm his unwavering commitment to the freedom and safety of journalists," the statement read.
It described a "free and unfettered press" as fundamental to democracy, transparency, accountability, and informed public discourse.
The statement further emphasized that "Government also reiterates our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all Ghanaian citizens, whose rights must always be protected." To that end, the president has instructed the Minister for Defence and the National Security Coordinator to immediately probe the incident. "Government has accordingly directed the Minister for Defence and the National Security Coordinator to investigate the incident and ensure that the appropriate punishment is immediately imposed," the statement noted.
