The government has rejected as “most regrettable” and unfair, a recent press conference by the Ghana Journalists Association, through which the group condemned as “unprecedented”, seven attacks on journalists under the barely-two-months old Mahama government.
Speaking at a press briefing in Accra on Wednesday, presidential spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu criticised the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) for its stance on the issue.
“It was claimed that seven journalists had been attacked, and statements were made that sought to create the impression that there is some design by Mr Mahama and his government to attack journalists,” Mr Kwakye Ofosu said. “It is a most regrettable narrative.”
The GJA had condemned the reported assaults, raising concerns over press freedom under the current administration.
However, Mr Kwakye Ofosu said the government had engaged with the association and agreed to hold direct talks early next week to address the concerns.
He insisted that President Mahama had no role in any attack on journalists. “All of you are aware that President Mahama is an easy-going, down-to-earth, affable individual who relates well with all manner of people. He is a member of the GJA in good standing,” he said.
Mr Kwakye Ofosu also dismissed suggestions that the government was retaliating against critical reporting.
“The way that the press conference was addressed created the impression that journalists had written something the government was unhappy about and were facing reprisals. But that is completely incorrect,” he stated.
The GJA has yet to respond to the government’s remarks.
