Mahama Not to Blame for Journalist Attacks – Kwakye Ofosu
Government denies involvement in journalist attacks, calls for constructive dialogue with the GJA to address concerns
- Kwakye Ofosu dismisses claims that Mahama’s administration is behind journalist attacks
- Gov’t and GJA to hold discussions next week to address concerns
- Spokesperson insists the President would never condone assaults on journalists
Felix Kwakye Ofosu, spokesperson for President John Dramani Mahama and Minister of State for Government Communications, has dismissed allegations that the government is behind recent attacks on journalists.
His response follows strong condemnation from Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) President, Kwabena Dwumfour, who on Tuesday, February 18, criticized the Mahama administration over what he called an “unprecedented” rise in assaults on journalists.
Dwumfour revealed that seven attacks had been recorded since Mahama took office and faulted the government for failing to hold perpetrators accountable.
Addressing a press briefing in Accra on Wednesday, February 19, Kwakye Ofosu described the claims as “most regrettable” and unfair to the President, the government, and the GJA itself. He stressed that there was no deliberate effort by Mahama’s administration to target journalists.
“I sought to find out exactly what informed that press conference and why other alternative approaches were not adopted to seek redress for those affected,” he said. He noted that following discussions with the GJA President, both sides agreed to hold direct talks next week to address journalists’ concerns.
Kwakye Ofosu also dismissed the notion that the government was retaliating against critical journalists, calling such claims “completely incorrect.” He emphasized Mahama’s affable nature and strong ties with the media, insisting that the President would never condone attacks on journalists.
