The Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has announced government plans to engage Ghana’s security agencies to improve their relationship with journalists.

A viral video circulated on social media about a fortnight ago showing Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) personnel assaulting Samuel Addo of Class Media Group while he was covering a fire incident at the market. The fire broke out on Sunday, January 4, 2026.

This comes amid growing concerns over harassment and attacks on media practitioners.

Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on Wednesday, January 14, Mr Kwakye Ofosu said the President is committed to working with key stakeholders to reorient personnel within the security services on how they should relate to journalists in the discharge of their duties.

According to the Minister, there remains a troubling perception among some members of the security agencies that journalists are a nuisance, particularly when they seek to investigate and uncover information of public interest.

“I think that the general attitude of some elements within the security services is that journalists are a bit of a nuisance, especially when they try to poke and find out what is happening, which is your job,” he said.

Mr Kwakye Ofosu noted that while journalism by its nature involves scrutiny and persistent questioning, some security personnel lack the tolerance to accommodate such work and instead resort to unlawful conduct.

“There are some of them who are unable to tolerate that and therefore vent their spleen on journalists in ways that are unlawful and seek to harm journalists,” he stated.

He stressed that government unequivocally condemns any form of intimidation, harassment or assault against journalists and will not condone such behaviour under any circumstances.

As part of measures to address the issue, the Minister disclosed that in the coming weeks government will engage the leadership of the various security agencies to organise a series of sensitisation and training activities.

“We would be engaging the heads of the security agencies to organise a series of activities to draw the attention of all members of Ghana’s security agencies to the fact that journalists are partners,” he said.

Mr Kwakye Ofosu emphasised that journalists have a legitimate right to investigate, ask questions and seek information in order to keep the public informed, adding that their work is essential to accountability in a democratic society.

“You have the right to nose around and fish out information to keep the public informed,” he said. “All manner of people who work within the public space are subject to scrutiny and accountability, and therefore the work you do goes a long way to enhance that.”

He further cautioned that even in situations where journalists are perceived to have breached protocol or security arrangements, the appropriate response should never involve the use of force.

“Under no circumstance should you come under attack or any form of harassment because you are doing your work,” he said.

“Even when it is deemed that you have violated protocol or some arrangements, the response to that should not be assault.”

Mr Kwakye Ofosu reaffirmed government’s commitment to safeguarding media freedom and ensuring that journalists can operate in a safe and enabling environment.