The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has raised critical concerns over President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to dissolve the Ministry of Information in his newly formed government.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Ghana International Press Centre on January 22, 2025, GJA President Albert Kwabena Dwumfour demanded clarity on the rationale behind this significant policy shift.
While congratulating President Mahama on his electoral victory, Dwumfour expressed the association’s disappointment and surprise at the absence of a standalone Ministry of Information, which played a pivotal role in managing government communications in previous administrations.
“Where is the Ministry of Information now? This is a pressing question we ask the president,” Dwumfour said. “We need clarity on the rationale for scrapping the ministry entirely, especially given its central role in fostering transparent communication between the government and the public.”
The GJA further inquired about which ministry would now oversee the operations and funding of critical state-owned media institutions, such as the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) and the Ghana News Agency (GNA). “Our colleagues at these institutions are anxious to understand how this restructuring will affect their operations and funding. The lack of clarity creates uncertainty for media practitioners,” Dwumfour noted.
He also pointed to the absence of information on the continuation of key media development programs initiated under previous governments. These include the Media Capacity Enhancement Programme and the Coordinated Mechanism on the Safety of Journalists, which have been instrumental in strengthening media practice in Ghana.
Although the president has appointed a Minister of State for Government Communication, the GJA stressed that this does not fully address the concerns surrounding the dissolution of the Ministry of Information. “The ministerial appointment is instructive, but does it fully compensate for the complete removal of a ministry dedicated to government communication?” Dwumfour asked.
The GJA also used the occasion to remind President Mahama of his past commitments to safeguarding press freedom and supporting the media. “As a member of the GJA, the president understands the frustrations of journalists and must show his commitment to improving the media landscape. Dissolving the Ministry of Information, without clear explanations, raises doubts about the future of press freedom and government transparency,” Dwumfour added.
The association concluded by urging the president to provide detailed explanations and a clear roadmap for managing government communication and media development programs in the absence of the Ministry of Information. For now, the media fraternity and the nation at large await a response from the presidency to these pressing concerns.