President John Dramani Mahama has stressed that “freedom must be balanced with responsibility,” highlighting the critical link between journalistic integrity and public trust.
Speaking at the 29th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Media Awards at Manhyia Palace, on November 8, 2025, President Mahama said, “The credibility of journalism depends on integrity, accuracy, and fairness.”
He cautioned that “too often, the race to ‘break the story first’ results in unverified publication and damage to reputation,” urging journalists to strengthen verification systems and adopt peer accountability. “If one platform misreports, others must correct it,” he added.
President Mahama also addressed the challenges posed by digital platforms, noting that they can “enable hate, defamation, impersonation, and cyberbullying.” On the Cybersecurity Amendment Bill (2025) and the Misinformation and Disinformation Bill before Parliament, he said they “are not meant to restrict free expression but to safeguard citizens and uphold truth in the digital realm.”
READ: 29th GJA Media Awards: Mahama salutes journalists for upholding truth amid personal risks
He further reminded the media that “freedom of expression does not include the freedom to ruin reputations, threaten lives, or incite violence. As I have often said, the boundary of free speech is speech that endangers peace and human dignity.” Mahama concluded by emphasising that journalists must uphold integrity and responsibility to maintain public trust.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
