iNewsgh

President Akufo Addo

President Akufo-Addo says the safety of journalists should be considered sacred and all efforts must be made to make journalists feel safe to go about their work. 

Describing the work of journalists as extremely important, the President noted that he prefers a "noisy press to a sycophantic one.

 Addressing Executives of the Ghana Journalists Association at the Jubilee House, President Akufo-Addo said he does not condone attacks on journalists, not even on those who abuse him. 

He, however, tasked journalists to be equally responsible in the discharge of their duties.The courtesy call by the GJA was to introduce the newly elected Executives of the Association to the President. The visit coincided with the President's meetings with some identifiable groups on the IMF negotiations and stability of the currency. 

The delegation was led by its President Albert Kwabena Dwumfour. Other members included the Vice President Linda Asante Agyei, General Secretary Kofi Yeboah, Public Affairs Officer Rebecca Ekpe, Organizing Secretary Dominic Hlordzi and Treasurer Audrey Dekalu. 

Mr Dwumfour raised concern about the increasing spate of attacks against the media and journalists, which he said, has gone to worsen Ghana’s ranking on the World Press Freedom Index. 

He asked the President to add his voice to the condemnation of such attacks, to help curb the impunity. President Akufo-Addo, responding to concerns of the GJA said he does not support attacks on journalists and was surprised that Ghana is losing her place in Press Freedom ratings.  

The Executives of the Association used the visit to invite the President to be the Guest of Honour at the 26th GJA Media Awards scheduled for November 12, this year under the theme: “Walking the Path Towards Ghana’s Economic Recovery - The Role of The Media.”

GBCs Isaac Asare