{
  "id": 4787058,
  "title": "Media freedom is a security strategy, not a security threat – Presidential Spokesman",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/01/media-freedom-is-a-security-strategy-not-a-security-threat",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-01T04:43:25.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Ghana Business News",
    "slug": "ghana-business-news",
    "url": "https://www.ghanabusinessnews.com/2026/09/01/media-freedom-is-a-security-strategy-not-a-security-threat-presidential-spokesman/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Mr Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Presidential Spokesman and Minister of State for Government Communications, has stated that media freedom serves as a security strategy rather than a security threat. He emphasized the importance of strong collaboration between the media and national security forces to safeguard the public. At a Capacity-Building Workshop in Accra, organized by the Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG), Mr Ofosu highlighted the significance of media in preventive security and early warning systems in Ghana. He stressed that a free press acts as a pressure valve, allowing citizens to voice their concerns without resorting to protests or riots. Mr Ofosu affirmed that his role as Minister for Government Communications did not involve fearing media reports but rather ensuring the media received accurate information to report responsibly. He underscored that responsible security reporting should be a shared responsibility between the government, security institutions, and the media. To safeguard national security, he advised journalists to verify information with at least two independent sources, including official ones, before publishing sensitive alerts. He cautioned against publishing details that could endanger military personnel, victims, or ongoing operations, as well as information that might provide tactical insights to extremist groups or exacerbate ethnic or religious tensions. Mr Ofosu reiterated that trust is crucial during crises and must be built through consistent truthfulness, institutional competence, and respect for the public's right to know. President John Dramani Mahama has repeatedly emphasized that development cannot occur without peace. Mr Ofosu stated that protecting peace requires early warning, community engagement, credible public communication, and responsible journalism. He affirmed that the Resetting Ghana Agenda is based on democratic foundations and that journalism plays a pivotal role in rebuilding trust between citizens and the state.",
  "summary": "Mr Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Presidential Spokesman and Minister of State in-charge of Government Communications, has reiterated that media freedom is a security strategy, not a security threat. The post Media freedom is a security strategy, not a security threat – Presidential Spokesman appeared first on Ghana Business News .",
  "key_points": [
    "Media freedom is a security strategy, not a threat",
    "Strong collaboration between media and security forces crucial",
    "Responsible journalism builds trust and protects peace"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}