Mahama vows to defend press freedom at Ghana Journalists Awards
President John Dramani Mahama paid tribute to Ghana's journalists at the 29th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Awards, held at Manhyia Palace in Kumasi. He praised their vital role in the country's stability and development, and committed to uphold press freedom.
Mahama extended gratitude to the GJA for their partnership in nation-building and congratulated the award-winners, including Godwin Asediba, named the 2024 Journalist of the Year. He emphasized the media's crucial role in fostering peace and unity, particularly in safeguarding Ghana's future.
Mahama asserted that freedom of speech is not a right to sow division. He referenced the ongoing National Dialogue on Peace and Security as a key initiative to encourage responsible communication. He also paid tribute to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, whose leadership in promoting peace and unity remains an enduring inspiration.
Mahama pledged to protect press freedom and ensure no journalist fears for their life under his administration. He quoted Ghana's first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, stating 'The press must be the vigilant watchdogs of the people and not the lapdogs of the powerful'. He ended with a call for collective effort to build 'a Ghana that is ethical in governance, honest in speech, peaceful in spirit, and united in purpose'.
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