John Mahama Laments Journalists Acting as “Guard Dogs” for Government, Instead of Watchdogs

Former President John Dramani Mahama recently voiced concern over the role of certain journalists in Ghana, accusing them of serving as “guard dogs” for the ruling government rather than upholding their traditional role as watchdogs.

Speaking at Accra’s Kempinski Hotel, Mahama criticized these journalists for targeting government critics instead of holding those in power accountable.

His remarks came in response to Ghana Journalists Association President Albert Dwumfour’s query about Mahama’s plans to safeguard journalists if he were re-elected.

Dwumfour highlighted a rise in attacks on journalists under President Akufo-Addo, which has resulted in a decline in Ghana’s media freedom ranking.

Mahama acknowledged the perilous environment faced by journalists today, some even seeking asylum abroad due to safety concerns.

He pledged that, if elected, his administration would ensure journalists could work without fear of reprisal.

Mahama contrasted this with his tenure, emphasizing that his government respected press freedom, even for its harshest critics.

Addressing governance, Mahama proposed a lean cabinet of sixty ministers, arguing against the current administration’s 120 ministers, which he believes has failed to halt economic decline.

The media event served as a platform for Mahama, leader of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), to outline his policies, including a vision for a 24-hour economy, to the Ghanaian public.