The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) has called for stronger collaboration between journalists and security agencies, warning that rising tensions between the two groups risk undermining public trust and democratic governance.
Speaking at a Media and Security Dialogue in Kumasi on Wednesday, Dora Boamah Mawutor, Senior Director and Head Operations of the MFWA said fostering mutual understanding between the media and security services was essential for protecting press freedom and maintaining national stability.
The event, held under the theme “Strengthening Collaboration Between the Media and Security Agencies in Ghana,” brought together journalists, security personnel, academics, civil society organisations and government representatives.
Ms Boamah said the dialogue was designed to create a platform for open engagement between the two institutions.
“The media informs the public, holds power to account and gives voice to citizens. Security agencies, on their part, protect lives, maintain order and ensure national stability,” she said. “When the two institutions understand each other and work together, the whole country benefits.”
She noted that journalists must be able to work without fear of intimidation, assault or reprisals if the public is to receive accurate information and participate in constructive debate. At the same time, she said, security agencies need support to carry out their duties professionally and transparently.
Rising tensions
Ms Boamah expressed concern over what she described as increasing friction between the media and security agencies in recent years, including incidents of harassment and attacks on journalists.
She said such developments not only harm individual reporters and media houses but also weaken press freedom, shrink civic space and damage Ghana’s reputation as a democratic leader in West Africa.
“We cannot achieve our development goals or foster accountable leadership if journalists continue to work in fear or if security officers feel misunderstood or unfairly portrayed,” she said.
Nationwide engagement
The Kumasi dialogue forms part of a broader national initiative led by the MFWA in collaboration with the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), the Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA), the Community Radio Network and other partners.
According to Ms Boamah, earlier sessions were held in Accra and Tamale, bringing together stakeholders from across southern and northern Ghana.
Thursday’s meeting in Kumasi assembled participants from the Ashanti, Bono, Bono East and Ahafo regions, among others.
Organisers say the series of dialogues aims to promote trust, open communication and mutual respect between journalists and security agencies, with the ultimate goal of strengthening democratic governance and ensuring a safer working environment for media practitioners.
The discussions are expected to address concerns about press freedom, professional standards and mechanisms for improving cooperation between the two sectors.
Source :www.kumasimail.com
