…Shamima Muslim To Journalists As PRINPAG Ushers In New Executives.
The Deputy Government Spokesperson, Hon. Hajia Shamima Muslim, has expressed a strong dedication by President John Dramani Mahama’s administration commitment of safeguarding journalists welfare and ensuring press freedom in Ghana.
Hon. Shamima made these comments during the official inauguration of the newly elected national executives of the Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG), led by David Sitsofe Tamakloe.
She assured the media community that President Mahama is fully committed to protecting the rights and safety of journalists.
“Be rest assured, His Excellency will not stand by and allow any journalist to be mistreated while performing their duties. If such incidents come to his notice, he will respond promptly, as we have already witnessed,” she stated.
While recognizing Ghana’s relatively free press environment, the Deputy Spokesperson pointed out that challenges remain.
“We are not completely out of the woods yet. Reports continue to emerge. Therefore, it is our collective responsibility to address this issue,” she added.
She emphasized the need for shared accountability between the media and government institutions, urging journalists to maintain ethical standards and government officials to use their power responsibly.
“If there are errors that can be easily corrected, let’s take action to fix them. Non-fatal mistakes can be resolved. However, if we allow minor issues to accumulate, they could escalate into a major problem—and we will all face the consequences,” she cautioned.
Hon. Muslim also reaffirmed the Mahama-led government’s commitment to seeking justice for the unresolved murders of investigative journalist Ahmed Suale and broadcaster Silas Bononchami.
She confirmed that President Mahama has received comprehensive updates from the Inspector General of Police and is advocating for further investigation and accountability.
David Tamakloe Leads Charge
Delivering his maiden speech as President of PRINPAG outlining his vision to enhance the voice of Ghana’s private and independent press adding that
the association has begun a new chapter in leadership with the swearing-in of its newly elected national executives.
In his speech, Tamakloe reaffirmed his commitment to protecting the goals of PRINPAG members while promoting the role of private journalism in Ghana’s democratic landscape.
Reflecting on the early days of the profession, he honored the determination of Ghanaian journalists, who bravely pursued the truth, often in difficult situations.
A key part of his vision is to empower members.
Mr. Tamakloe emphasized the importance of ongoing training and mentorship, stating that “empowered journalists create empowered societies.”
He urged experienced professionals to share their knowledge and skills with the younger generation, ensuring the profession’s continuity and excellence.
In addressing one of the major challenges facing private newspapers, Mr. Tamakloe pointed out the unstable financial situation of many outlets.
He promised to work with advertisers, businesses, and government institutions to ensure a fairer distribution of advertising opportunities.
He argued that advertising should be seen as a partnership that acknowledges the significant value journalists bring to both businesses and society, rather than as charity.
Looking forward, Mr. Tamakloe vowed to foster a more inclusive environment where all PRINPAG members—whether from large urban publications or smaller regional papers—can succeed.
He emphasized that every journalist deserves visibility and access to opportunities, and he committed to positioning PRINPAG members as “partners of choice” for advertisers and stakeholders.
The Chairman of the Occasion and Board Chair of the National Media Commission reminded the incoming executives of the task ahead and charged them to ensure that they build upon the legacy left behind by the predecessors and forge ahead.
As newspapers and online platforms, let your voices impact society positively and always project policies and programmes that will benefit the nation and its citizenry.
By Philip Antoh