President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to ensuring a cordial relationship between the media and state security agencies whilst upholding ethical media practices in Ghana.
He has highlighted the importance of the Cybersecurity Amendment Bill (2025) and the Misinformation and Disinformation Bill currently before Parliament for consideration, stressing that the bills are not designed to restrict free expression but meant to safeguard the citizenry and uphold truth in the digital realm.
President Mahama has further cautioned that the same digital tools that have democratised information can also enable hate, defamation, impersonation, and cyberbullying, hence, his government’s commitment to addressing this reality responsibly.
“Freedom of expression does not include the freedom to ruin reputations, threaten lives, or incite violence. The boundary of free speech is speech that endangers peace and human dignity”
“Our aim is to extend the ethical standards of traditional journalism into the digital space without infringing on constitutional freedoms,” he has emphasised.
In a Facebook post cited on Monday, November 10, 2025, following his speech delivered at the 29th Ghana Journalists’ Association (GJA) Awards held in Kumasi last Saturday, he duly acknowledged the concerns raised by the GJA and civil society over the Cybersecurity Amendment Bill (2025) and the Misinformation and Disinformation Bill tabled before Parliament, and has assured that the concerns will be addressed transparently and constructively.
He has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to a free, safe, and efficient media.
“I will neither sanction nor tolerate any form of intimidation, interference, or attack on journalists.
“I have also directed the Minister of State for Government Communications and the Minister responsible for National Security to establish a permanent forum for regular engagements between security agencies and the media to help foster mutual respect and prevent incidents,” he stated.
He congratulated Godwin Asediba of Media General, operators of TV3 and other platforms, and all other journalists who received awards at the 29th GJA Media Awards in Kumasi on Saturday, while applauding the Ghana Journalists’ Association for the innovative decision to move the awards ceremony outside Accra.
GJA has served as a crucial pillar in developing our democratic landscape – President Mahama
By Samuel Afriyie Owusu
