Deputy Minister for the Interior, Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi, has called on the Ghana Police Service to permanently incorporate modules on freedom of expression and journalist safety into the curriculum of all national police training schools. The Deputy Minister described the protection of media practitioners as essential to Ghana’s democracy.
Speaking at the opening of a three day training programme for police officers on freedom of expression and journalists’ safety at Narpo Hotels in Accra, Terlabi emphasized that the Ministry fully supports measures making respect for human rights and professional cooperation with the media a core part of policing. The workshop was organized in partnership with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the United Nations Human Rights West Africa Regional Office.
Terlabi stressed that freedom of expression transcends constitutional provisions. He told participants that it represents the right that gives life to all other rights, adding that when journalists feel safe, democracy itself remains secure. The Deputy Minister explained that a safe and independent media ensures citizens are informed, engaged, and able to hold institutions accountable, thereby strengthening governance and public trust.
Acknowledging recent threats and attacks against journalists in Ghana and across Africa, Terlabi said these incidents underscore the urgent need for greater protection and professional understanding between law enforcement and media practitioners. He noted that sadly, some journalists in Ghana have faced threats and attacks in recent years, and UNESCO data shows that across Africa, many cases of attacks on journalists still go unresolved, including incidents within Ghana.
The Deputy Minister encouraged officers attending the training to embrace the lessons and integrate respect for human rights and journalists’ safety into their daily duties. He called for incorporating models of freedom of expression and public order into the curriculum of national police schools, emphasizing that safeguarding journalists should be a shared responsibility at all levels of policing.
UNESCO Representative to Ghana, Edmond Moukala, highlighted in his address that the initiative aligns with UNESCO’s mandate to promote freedom of expression and ensure journalist safety, particularly in regions where media professionals face increasing risks. The organization has been working across West Africa to strengthen protections for journalists and enhance understanding of press freedom among security services.
The training programme comes amid growing concerns about press freedom in Ghana and the broader West African region. International media freedom organizations have documented various incidents where journalists faced intimidation, assault, or arbitrary detention while performing their professional duties. These challenges have raised questions about the relationship between security forces and media practitioners.
Terlabi urged participants to engage fully with the training content, share their experiences, and apply the lessons in their stations, newsrooms, and communities. He emphasized that such application would contribute to Ghana’s commitment to justice, strong institutions, and a peaceful, inclusive society.
The Deputy Minister, who also serves as Member of Parliament for Lower Manya Krobo Constituency in the Eastern Region, has been vocal about strengthening relationships between security services and civil society. In October, he spoke at the 2025 Ghana Security and Safety Conference and Expo, urging stakeholders in the security sector to adopt innovative and collaborative approaches to address evolving security challenges including cybercrime, climate induced disasters, public health crises, and transnational terrorism.
Ghana’s Constitution guarantees freedom of speech and expression, including press freedom, as fundamental human rights. However, implementation challenges and occasional tensions between journalists and law enforcement have prompted calls for enhanced training and awareness programmes. The government has indicated commitment to upholding these constitutional protections while ensuring security forces understand their responsibilities toward media practitioners.
The three day training programme aims to equip selected police officers with technical expertise and operational protocols needed to protect journalists and uphold press freedom principles. Participants will serve as ambassadors for these values within their respective units and stations across the country.
The initiative reflects broader efforts by the current administration to strengthen democratic institutions and promote human rights. President John Dramani Mahama’s government has emphasized the importance of media freedom and has engaged with civil society organizations on governance issues since assuming office earlier this year.
International human rights organizations have welcomed the training programme, viewing it as a positive step toward improving police understanding of press freedom and journalist safety. They have called for regular refresher courses and monitoring mechanisms to ensure the principles taught during the workshop translate into practical changes in police conduct toward media practitioners.
The Ghana Police Service has not yet issued a statement on when or how it plans to implement the Deputy Minister’s recommendation to incorporate freedom of expression modules into its training curriculum. However, officials present at the workshop expressed openness to enhancing professional relations with journalists and strengthening human rights awareness among officers.
