Media owners must invest in training, safety and fair remuneration – Kwakye Ofosu
Felix Kwake Ofosu, Minister in charge of Government Communications, has urged media owners and stakeholders to invest in professional training, improve working conditions, and be responsible for the safety of journalists as they perform their duties.
Ghana's Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwame Ofosu, has emphasized the need for media owners and stakeholders to invest in professional training, enhance working conditions, and ensure journalists' safety while doing their jobs. At the 30th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Media Awards in Accra, Ofosu stressed the importance of journalists' safety, stating that no journalist should face assault, threats, or unlawful detention for carrying out legitimate assignments.
He called for thorough investigations into allegations of attacks, including those involving security personnel, and for accountability to follow when wrongdoing is discovered. Ofosu highlighted the vital role journalism plays in national development and democracy, urging all institutions committed to the rule of law to protect journalists.
He expressed the government's dedication to safeguarding media freedom, urging journalists to continue scrutinizing policies and ensuring officials remain accountable to the people. Ofosu cautioned against the dangers of hate speech on digital platforms, stressing the need to differentiate between criminal behavior and free speech, while also ensuring that combating hate speech doesn't undermine critical journalism or unpopular opinions.
He commended Ghana's 39th place ranking on the 2026 Press Freedom Index and urged stakeholders to keep promoting press freedom. Ofosu highlighted journalism's crucial role in holding government accountable, noting that the day journalists cease asking tough questions should be the day those in power should start worrying. He reiterated the government's commitment to maintaining positive relations with the media and assisting with the investigation into the murder of investigative journalist Ahmed Sualley.
The GJA Media Awards ceremony, themed “30th GJA Media Awards: Celebrating Excellence, Advancing Media Freedom and Combating Hate Speech in the Digital Age,” recognized the media's contributions to Ghana's democratic governance, national unity, and socio-economic development. The event also called for responsible journalism, media freedom, and professionalism in the digital age and recognized national figures who have made significant contributions to Ghana's democratic governance, public service, security, traditional leadership, entrepreneurship, and socio-economic development.
Written by urgent.news from MyJoyOnline Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
