Guarantee safety of journalists – Mahama to Government

Former Ghanaian leader, John Dramani Mahama, has, on the occasion of the World Press Freedom Day, commended Ghanaian journalists for the role they play in deepening democracy in the country.

The theme for the 2019 World Press Freedom Day marked on Friday, May 3, 2019 is: “Media for Democracy, Journalism and Elections in Times of Disinformation”.

Commemorating the day on Facebook, Mr Mahama, who is seeking to lead Ghana again, said: “This year’s global theme for the World Press Freedom Day couldn’t have been more appropriate. The reaction of governments to the work of journalists and the impact of inaccurate news reports by journalists are issues that have dominated journalism over the last few years.

“I am in Addis Ababa today where UNESCO, the AU and the Ethiopian government have been hosting three days of activities discussing the relationship between the media and democracy.

“As has been asked by UNESCO, 'How can journalism rise above emotional content and fake news during an election? What should be done to counter speeches demeaning journalists? To what extent should electoral regulations be applied to the internet?'

“On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, I say ayekoo to all journalists and urge governments and security agencies to guarantee their safety in the discharge of their work.

“I also wish to encourage the Ghana Journalists Association, media men and women and bloggers to consider deeply and discuss how to remain relevant to society within the framework of the 2019 theme, ‘Media for Democracy, Journalism and Elections in Times of Disinformation’.”