Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama has called on security personnel to treat journalists with professionalism and respect during public events, emphasizing the importance of media freedom in a democratic society.
The President made the remark upon his arrival in Koforidua aboard an Airbus H175 helicopter, where he was scheduled to break ground for the construction of a multipurpose hall and hostel at the SDA College of Education.
“Take your time, don’t harass the media,” Mahama told a security officer as he disembarked, a statement that quickly drew attention from members of the press and the public present at the scene.
The event marked the commencement of a significant infrastructure project aimed at improving student accommodation and providing a modern facility for academic and social activities at the college. The proposed multipurpose hall is expected to host lectures, conferences, and other institutional events, while the hostel will help ease accommodation challenges faced by students.
Journalists covering the event welcomed Mahama’s intervention, noting that media practitioners sometimes face challenges while performing their duties at high profile gatherings.
The ceremony was attended by local authorities, school officials, and community members, who expressed optimism about the impact of the project on education in the Eastern Region.
Mahama’s comments have since sparked conversations about the role of security agencies in ensuring both safety and press freedom during national events.
