President Mahama addressing the GJA event at the Manhyia Palace
Correspondence from the Ashanti Region
President John Dramani Mahama has made a solemn pledge to protect press freedom and ensure that no journalist would fear for their life under his administration.
He also called for responsible media practice, emphasising its crucial role in fostering peace and unity, particularly in safeguarding Ghana’s future.
President Mahama delivered this promise during his keynote address at the 29th GJA Media Awards.
The prestigious event, which took place at the Manhyia Palace’s, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Jubilee Hall in Kumasi, Ashanti Region, on Saturday, November 8, 2025, was held under the theme; “Safeguarding Ghana’s Future: The Role Of The Media In Promoting Peace, Security And The Fight Against Galamsey.”
Opening his address, President Mahama asserted that freedom of speech is not a right to sow division.
He referenced the ongoing National Dialogue on Peace and Security, which actively involves media and faith-based leaders, as a key initiative to encourage responsible communication and early detection of conflict triggers.
He poetically described peace not as the absence of noise, but the harmony of hearts, and implored the media to “serve as a rhythm that sustains that harmony.”
The president took the opportunity to honor the nation’s journalists for their vital contributions to the country’s stability and development.
“Tonight, as President of the Republic, on behalf of all Ghanaians, I salute every journalist who continue to speak truth to power, often at significant personal risk. Your integrity strengthens our democracy,” he stated.
To the younger generation of journalists, he implored them to remember that journalism is not just a profession. “It is a calling. It demands courage, humility, and unwavering dedication to the truth.”
President Mahama also extended heartfelt gratitude to the GJA for its invaluable “partnership in nation-building” and congratulated the distinguished award-winners, noting that their “work gives meaning to our democracy and gives hope to our people.”
He paid a profound tribute to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, whose “leadership in promoting peace and unity remains an enduring inspiration to us all.” The president acknowledged the Asantehene’s “wise guidance,” through which “Ashanti continues to symbolize harmony and national pride.”
Concluding his impactful address, President Mahama invoked the timeless words of Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, quoting:
“The press must be the vigilant watchdogs of the people and not the lapdogs of the powerful.”
He then delivered a firm and unreserved commitment: “My administration will uphold that vigilance, will save that press freedom, will protect journalists and ensure that truth remains the foundation of our governance. Under my government, no journalists will have to flee into exile for fear of their lives.”
President Mahama ended with a powerful call for collective effort, urging governments, media, and citizens to unite and build “a Ghana that is ethical in governance, honest in speech, peaceful in spirit, and united in purpose,” affirming that “the pen always remain mightier than fear” and “truth continue to light our path.”