President John Dramani Mahama has taken a firm stance on press freedom, using the swearing-in of four new Deputy Ministers to both reinforce his administration’s development agenda and denounce recent attacks on journalists.
The solemn event, held at the Jubilee House, saw the President administer the oath of office to four Members of Parliament who will now serve as deputy ministers in key sectors: Transport, Foreign Affairs, Communications and Digital Innovation, and Health.
Those sworn in include:
Dorcas Affo-Toffey (MP for Jomoro), Deputy Minister for Transport
James Gyakye Quayson (MP for Assin North), Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs
Mohammed Adam Sukparu (MP for Sissala West), Deputy Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation
Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah (MP for Essikado-Ketan), Deputy Minister for Health
President Mahama congratulated the appointees and urged them to serve with “integrity, dedication, and results-driven leadership.” He stressed that their work would be central to delivering on his administration’s development priorities, particularly in the areas of healthcare reforms, infrastructure, digitization, and diplomatic engagement.
But the President’s message was not confined to governance. In a strongly worded address, he turned attention to the assault on JoyNews journalist Carlos Calony, who was reportedly manhandled by military personnel during a demolition exercise on Spintex Road.
“I want to condemn in the strongest terms the assault in the recent incident involving the manhandling of some journalists by our security personnel. Such conduct is unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” Mahama declared.
He revealed that an investigation had been ordered and promised swift sanctions against the officers involved. Reaffirming his long-standing support for media freedoms, Mahama said, “As a card-bearing member of the Ghana Journalists Association, I will not preside over a government that abuses or intimidates journalists in the lawful exercise of their duties.”
The President announced that his office would soon engage leaders of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) and heads of security agencies to address tensions between the press and law enforcement, and to build a framework for mutual respect and cooperation.
The moment of reflection on press freedom underscored the President’s broader governance approach — one that intertwines national development with the protection of democratic institutions.
The newly appointed deputies are expected to immediately begin supporting their respective sectors, as Ghana pushes forward with critical reforms and economic recovery efforts.
Their swearing-in marks not only a strengthening of the executive team but also a moment of political accountability — with the President making clear that state power must be exercised with restraint, especially where it intersects with the rights of citizens and journalists.
