President John Dramani Mahama has attributed the country’s decline in global rankings to issues related to assaults on journalists, including the murder of investigative journalist Ahmed Suale.

He made this known while addressing members of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) during a courtesy call at the Jubilee House on Friday, September 5, 2025.

“… We've seen a consistent decline in our international rankings, and that is an issue of concern for us. And part of it is because of issues to do with harassment of journalists and even the unfortunate murder of Ahmed Suale which caught international attention and I think that since then, other incidents that have occurred have diminished our ranking," he said.

He believes that these issues continues to persist due to the lack of legal sanctions against perpetrators.

Acknowledging the role of journalists in the country, the President advocated for an environment that permits them to perform their duties freely and without fear of assault.

“And so, we need to find a way of ensuring that when people do that kind of thing, they face sanctions or are punished because once there's no deterrent, they continue to do it. Aside from that, educate and create awareness that Journalists are not enemies. They are reporting something that is happening, and so they must be given a free leverage to be able to do their reporting,” he said.

Assaults on journalists in the country remain a troubling issue, often making headlines, with the most recent incidents drawing widespread concern.

President of the Ghana Journalist Association (GJA) Albert  Kwabena  Dwumfuor condemned the attack on journalists during the Ablekuma North rerun election in July.

At the Odorkor Methodist 1 polling station in the Ablekuma North constituency, some individuals engaged in a fisticuff with the police personnel. Also, a JoyNews journalist was slapped by an unknown individual.

A journalist with GH One Television, Banahene Agyekum, was also slapped by a police officer.

The Ghana Police Service interdicted one of its officers who was caught on camera slapping a journalist with GH One Television, Banahene Agyekum, during the rerun election at Ablekuma North.

In line with internal disciplinary procedures, he was referred to the Police Professional Standards Bureau (PPSB) for investigation.

The officer concerned was withdrawn from the ongoing election duty at Ablekuma North.

The Police assured the public that a thorough investigation will be conducted into the matter and further updates will be communicated.

It is unknown what exactly transpired between the reporter and a group of police officers that led to him being slapped.

The Police officer's action has been condemned by all, including the mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, who witnessed the unfortunate incident.

Engaging the media after the assault, Banahene Agyekum expressed distress and pain.

“Yes, (I won’t be able to continue work today) because my right eye is shaking and I don’t know what happened to my forehead. I have to go for a medical checkup,” he stated.

Former Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development and Member of Parliament for Ewutu Senya East Constituency, Hawa Koomson, was also assaulted by a group of men at the Ablekuma North rerun election.

Per reports, the former legislator received treatment at a health facility.

Due to the chaos that erupted, Inspector General of Police Christian Tetteh Yohuno visited some polling stations in the constituency.

Minister of State for Government Communications and spokesperson, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, for President John Dramani Mahama, rejected allegations that the government is behind the recent attacks on journalists.

On February 18, Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) President Kwabena Dwumfour sharply criticized the Mahama administration, citing a surge in assaults on media professionals.

He noted that seven of such incidents had been recorded since Mahama took office, describing the situation as unprecedented. Dwumfour also accused the government of failing to ensure justice for the victims.

Addressing the press in Accra on February 19, Kwakye Ofosu dismissed the claims as unfounded, arguing that they unfairly tarnish the government’s reputation.

The Minister stated that he had contacted the GJA President to discuss the matter and gain insight into the reasons behind the press conference.

“It was claimed that seven journalists had been attacked and statements were made that sought to create the impression that there is some design by Mahama and his government to attack journalists. It is a most regrettable narrative. We do not think that it is fair to President Mahama, it is fair to the government, it is even fair to the GJA or even to the journalists who are reported to have been attacked,” Kwakye Ofosu stated.

Following their discussion, they scheduled a direct engagement between his office and the GJA early next week to resolve any issues affecting journalists.

“I sought to find out exactly what informed that press conference and why other alternative approaches were not adopted to discuss the matters with the view to seeking redress for those who might have been affected. After the conversation, we agreed that early next week there should be a direct interaction between my office and the GJA,” he explained.

Kwakye Ofosu challenged the way the issue was framed, arguing that it unfairly misrepresented both the government and President Mahama.

He highlighted Mahama’s approachable and amiable personality, emphasizing his long-standing association with the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA).

According to him, it was inconceivable that the President would preside over an administration that permits attacks on journalists.

“All of you are aware that President Mahama is an easy-going, down-to-earth, affable individual who relates well with all manner of people. He is a member of the GJA in good standing. Essentially, he is one of you and therefore he will be the last person to supervise a dispensation where journalists are attacked,” he stressed.

He further dismissed suggestions that the government was retaliating against certain journalists, describing such claims as completely unfounded.

“The way that the press conference was addressed and the way that the matters were couched created the impression that some journalists had perhaps said or written something that the government was unhappy about and therefore the government was carrying out reprisals against them.

“But that is completely incorrect. It is not true and nothing of the sort has happened,” he affirmed.