31/07/2025
UPDN COMMENDS PRESIDENT JOHN MAHAMA FOR HIS STRONG STANCE AGAINST ASSAULT ON JOURNALISTS AND HIS COMMITMENT TO PRESS FREEDOM
The United Press for Development Network (UPDN) wishes to commend His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama for his prompt and unequivocal condemnation of the recent assault on JoyNews journalist, Mr. Carlos Calony, and a civilian by armed soldiers during a demolition exercise on Spintex Road in Accra.
President Mahama’s firm declaration that such conduct is “unacceptable and will not be tolerated” reaffirms his government’s respect for media freedom and his personal commitment, as a card-bearing member of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), to the protection of journalists in the lawful discharge of their duties. His directive for a thorough investigation and the sanctioning of the perpetrators is both timely and necessary in restoring public confidence in state institutions and reasserting the constitutional safeguards of press freedom in Ghana.
UPDN also welcomes the President’s announcement of a planned engagement between the leadership of the security services and the GJA aimed at fostering mutual respect, understanding, and collaboration between journalists and security agencies. This is a progressive step toward building a healthy working relationship where both institutions operate as partners in Ghana’s democratic and developmental journey.
We particularly take note of President Mahama’s emphasis that “a free and responsible press is indispensable to our democracy,” a statement which resonates deeply with UPDN’s advocacy for a robust, protected, and professional media landscape.
*OUR POSITION AND EXPECTATIONS*
While we commend His Excellency’s clear position on this matter, UPDN cautiously optimizes with his promises and looks forward to seeing concrete actions and outcomes. Specifically, we anticipate:
1. The swift completion of the independent investigation into the assault on Mr. Carlos Calony and the prosecution of the officers involved.
2. The timely convening of the proposed engagement between the GJA and security heads to establish a framework for media-security collaboration, training, and mutual respect.
3. Strong institutional guarantees to prevent future occurrences of such barbaric acts against journalists.
UPDN stands ready to support any national initiative that strengthens the bond between the media and security agencies while safeguarding the freedoms enshrined in Chapter 12 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana.
We therefore extend our appreciation to President Mahama for his leadership on this matter and reaffirm our commitment to work with all stakeholders, government, media, security agencies, and civil society, to ensure that Ghana remains a democratic state anchored on free expression, press freedom, and respect for human rights.
Long live Press Freedom, long live UPDN, long live Ghana.
*About UPDN:*
_United Press for Development Network (UPDN) is an organization dedicated to promoting press freedom, media development, good and transparent governance, economic, environmental/climate change and sustainable development across Africa. Through capacity building, advocacy, and networking, UPDN empowers journalists and media organizations to uphold professional standards, foster governmental accountability, and advance public interest._
Kelvin Malor
(National Organizer)
024-599-5541
David Albert Quainoo
(South Korea Coordinator)
+82-10-2117-4780
Betty Boafo
(Secretary)
024-487-0055
Eric Nana Prekoh
(Media Relations Coordinator)
024-646-0428
William Hayford Mintah
(Central Region Coordinator)
024-476-6538
Frank Darlington Heymann
(International Relations Coordinator)
0245414948
*_SIGNED_*
*Rev. Kofi Asante Mensah*
*(President)*
*Tel: 024-469-0262*
*Office: 0302-965-325*
