“Challenging an opinion expressed by a journalist is not an attack on media freedom” – President Akufo-Addo defends government

President Akufo-Addo has said his government is not overseeing a culture of silence nor is he promoting an attack on media freedom.

According to him, his government has not impeded the work of the media as circulated by many Ghanaians. This statement from the president comes on the back of recent attack on a Citi FM journalist, Caleb Kudah by National Security operatives for taking visuals at a restricted area.

Speaking at a special congregation in his honour at the University of Cape Coast, President Akufo-Addo said he has worked in the past to promote media freedom hence he would be the last person to impede its progress.

“When it comes to the press, I am certain I have nothing to apologise for with reference to anything I have ever done or said.”

“I have been a part of and sometimes led the struggle for individual rights and freedom of the press in this country. I believe in it. it is part of my makeup.”

“A radio station is currently running a campaign against Free SHS. Would a spirited defence of the Free SHS policy constitute an attack on press freedom? I wonder.”

“It cannot be that everyone has a right of a reply except members of the government and officialdom, nor can it be that challenging an opinion expressed by a journalist constitutes an attack on press freedom,” the President argued.

President Akufo-Addo also urged the media to be open for dialogue on issues and must move away from seeing itself as a repository of knowledge.

“Knowledge has never been a gift granted exclusively to one group. We must listen and hear each other more,” he implored.

“I find it ironic that the presidency of a man who has been and continues to be daily the most vilified political figure of his generation can be accused of presiding over a culture of silence.”

“There is no midnight knock on the door in Ghana or authors of dissenting views nor will there be during my presidency”

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