Vice-President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has denounced attacks on journalists by members of political parties, underscoring the harm that these acts do to the democracy of the country.
Speaking on August 24, Dr. Bawumia urged all citizens to recognize the press’s vital role in preserving democratic ideals during a media engagement in Accra.
“I don’t believe that someone should criticize a journalist for carrying out their duty. That will be detrimental to democracy, Dr. Bawumia said, restating his support for free speech in the media.
The Vice-President made these comments in response to mounting worries regarding Ghanaian journalists’ safety.
The maltreatment of journalists, especially by certain government individuals, has previously alarmed the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA).
Notably, Farouk Aliu Mahama (Yendi) and Hawa Koomson (Awutu Senya East) are members of parliament that the GJA blacklisted due to their purported involvement in instances involving the mistreatment of journalists.
Dr. Bawumia’s demand that these attacks stop emphasizes how crucial it is to defend journalists in their public-informational role, preserving a strong and open democratic system.
