By Love Wilhelmina Abanonave
Deputy Presidential Spokesperson, Shamima Muslim has reaffirmed President John Dramani Mahama’s commitment to press freedom, emphasizing that a fair and independent media is crucial to Ghana’s democracy.
“As a long standing member of the Ghana Journalists Association, GJA, he (President Mahama) strongly believes that a fair and independent media is not a threat to democracy but rather its strongest ally”, she said.
She made this known during the 3rd GJA Dinner night on Monday, December 22, 2025 further urging media practitioners to exercise responsibility and accuracy in their reportage, especially in the digital era where fake news and misinformation can spread quickly.
“Freedom and responsibility must always travel together because in today’s digital era, we are confronted with the growing rate of fake news, misinformation and deliberate disinformation and these have the tendency to erode trust in institutions and undermine national cohesion”, she added.
Shamima Muslim called on journalists, stakeholders, partners and everyone involved to help defeat the challenge as government can not do it on its own.
According to her, President Mahama urges the media to prioritize accuracy and depth in their coverage while also wishing they stay safe during the Yuletide.
“President Mahama would like to urge the media to approach its coverage with care, accuracy and depth, avoiding misrepresentation, speculation or selective interpretation that could mislead the public or heighten unnecessary tensions”.
President Mahama has taken steps to promote press freedom however challenges persist, with concerns over attacks on journalists and declining press freedom rankings.
