Journo attack: Akufo-Addo has tarnished the hard-won image of Ghana – Mahama

General News of Wednesday, July 24, 2019

Source: www.ghanaweb.com

2019-07-24

Former President John Dramani Mahama accused President Akufo-Addo of destroying Ghana's hard-earned image and reputation on the international front with the recent wave of attacks against journalists in the country.

According to Mahama, the increasing number of threats and attacks perpetrated by the current government against journalists and media organizations is worrying as it is gradually putting the country in the sewers.

Condemning the Akufo-Addo-led government for endangering the freedom of journalists in the country, Mahama said that the NPP's constant attacks on journalists had caused Ghana to lose the status of the highest ranked country in Africa. in the field of freedom of the press.

The former president, whose speech was read by the president of the National Democratic Congress, Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, at the wreath-laying ceremony held in the honor of the late Professor Atta Mills Professor, said: "We are here at a time when our commitment to a country with fairness and transparency within the government is faltering, as to the right and duty of Ghanaians to criticize their leaders for these reasons."

"The culture of silence that is sweeping across our country bears witness to growing intolerance for dissent and critical thinking. This is in stark contrast to the practice of freedom and justice that Professor Mills sought to consolidate under his direction and which I illustrated so well after taking over. "

"Ghana's hard-won global reputation for press freedom has been seriously tainted by President Nana Akufo-Addo. We have seen it tarnished by press denunciations, threats and instigations against journalists, selective and forced closures of FM stations perceived as critical of the government, among others. " he noted.

Ghana lost four points in the latest rankings of the 2019 World Press Freedom Index, rising from 23 to 27 over the previous year.

To make matters worse, Ghana has also lost its status as the highest ranked country in Africa in the World Press Freedom Index, compiled annually by Reporters Without Borders (RWB), which badesses the state of journalism in 180 countries.

The recent attacks on media professionals have sparked the launch of a campaign to defend the constitutional rights of journalists.

Arbitrary arrests and detentions have taken place, attacks on press houses, torture, seizures and destruction of press material since 2017.

In response to this while praising the late Professor Atta Mills, former President Mahama said, "President Mills believed in the rule of law and respected the primacy and interests of the people of Ghana. He supported the integrity and independence of our national institutions. He was empathetic and kind and measured the success of the smallest among us. "

"Professor Mills placed the principles before partisanship, before the political benefits. He believed that the promise of tomorrow should not be spoiled by the sins of yesterday and his vengeance. He avoided avarice and took as an example his unusual humility and simplicity. His kindness extended even to those who defamed and denigrated him, and he bore their respect as a medal of honor. "

"At this time in our country's history, President Mills' leadership qualities and the principles of his personal morality take on a new lease of life. The life and leadership of Professor Mills has never been more relevant. The quality of the man and the clarity of his principles remind us of what leadership could be – and what all faithful Ghanaians want it to be – a reference standard in civic behavior And equity, personal responsibility and moral courage in which people could find advice and draw strength, "he added.