President Mahama Orders Investigation into Manhandling of Journalists by Security Personnel

President John Dramani Mahama has condemned the recent manhandling of journalists by security personnel and ordered a thorough investigation with sanctions for the officers involved.

Speaking during the swearing-in of four deputy ministers on Thursday, the President described the conduct as unacceptable and said it would not be tolerated under his administration.

“I have instructed that the incident be thoroughly investigated and that the officers involved be sanctioned accordingly,” the president said.

President Mahama, who identified himself as a card-bearing member of the Ghana Journalists Association, said he would not preside over a government that abuses or intimidates journalists in the lawful exercise of their duties.

“As a card-bearing member of the Ghana Journalists Association, I will not preside over a government that abuses or intimidates journalists in the lawful exercise of their duty,” he stated.

The president announced plans to convene a meeting between heads of security services and Ghana Journalists Association leadership to develop a programme that will orient security troops on media relations.

“I will soon convene a meeting between the heads of the security services and the leadership of the GJA to plan a programme to orient our troops to recognise the media not as enemies, but as partners in development,” he said.

The president emphasised that a free and responsible press is essential to Ghana’s democracy and must be protected by all.

During the same address, Mahama extended condolences to families of 15 young people who lost their lives in a tragic accident in Obogu in the Ashanti Region.

The president described the deaths as “a stark reminder” of why his administration’s Big Push programme prioritizes the dualization and rehabilitation of major highways to reduce road accidents.

“This is a stark reminder of why our Big Push programme prioritises the dualization and rehabilitation of our major highways to reduce the spate of accidents,” he said.

The comments on media freedom and road safety came as the president completed his ministerial appointments with the swearing-in of deputy ministers for Transport, Foreign Affairs, Health, and Communications ministries.

The president used the occasion to emphasise his administration’s commitment to protecting democratic institutions while addressing public safety concerns through infrastructure development.

Richard Aniagyei, ISD