Press freedom in Ghana is facing an alarming decline under the administration of President John Dramani Mahama, with a disturbing rise in attacks and intimidation against journalists since he assumed office on January 7, 2025.
In recent months, multiple reporters have suffered brutal assaults while on duty, often at the hands of political operatives, security personnel, or unidentified assailants. These incidents have raised serious concerns among media watchdogs, civil society organizations, and international observers about the shrinking space for independent journalism in the country.
One of the most alarming incidents occurred during the rerun of an election in the Ablekuma North constituency, where journalists assigned to cover the exercise were reportedly attacked and severely beaten by individuals believed to be affiliated with the National Democratic Congress (NDC). The victims included Bernard Korankye of Citi FM, Mavis Osei of GHOne TV, and Isaac Kwofie of TV3. Eyewitnesses say the journalists were targeted without provocation, their only offense being their presence to report on the electoral process.
Just this week, another troubling case emerged when a team from Joy FM and JoyNews, including senior reporter Kwame Owusu Danso, cameramen Eric Mensah and Kofi Amoako, and Carlos Kaloni of JoyNews, was allegedly brutalized by soldiers and national security operatives. The team was covering the controversial demolition of a warehouse belonging to McDan Group near the Spintex Road, close to the airport enclave in Accra. Eyewitness accounts and video footage shared on social media show armed personnel manhandling journalists and seizing their equipment.
These recent incidents form part of a broader pattern of hostility towards the media that intensified after the 2024 general elections. In the immediate aftermath of the polls, several journalists reported threats, harassment, and physical attacks — acts which media rights advocates say were largely met with silence or inaction by the authorities.
The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), and other civic groups have called on the government to investigate the attacks and hold perpetrators accountable. However, critics argue that the lack of concrete action sends a dangerous message of impunity.
“Ghana was once celebrated as a model for press freedom in West Africa, but recent events are seriously tarnishing that reputation,” said a representative of the MFWA. “Journalists must be allowed to do their work without fear of violence or repression.”
International bodies, including Reporters Without Borders (RSF), have also expressed concern over the deteriorating situation. Ghana, which once ranked high on the World Press Freedom Index, has seen a steady decline in recent years, a trend now exacerbated by the current political climate.
As the Mahama administration settles into its tenure, journalists and advocates are urging the president to make clear his commitment to press freedom by condemning the attacks, launching independent investigations, and ensuring that the rights of media practitioners are fully protected.
Until such assurances are backed by action, Ghana’s democratic credentials — long admired on the continent — risk being undermined by a creeping culture of media repression.
