Learn To Tolerate Criticism- Mahama to Nana Addo
Former President John Dramani Mahama wants the administration of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to be more committed to fostering free expression and protecting journalists.
“We believe that citizens’ freedom to freely express themselves is a right, not a privilege. In a statement commemorating the creation of the National Democratic Congress, Mr. Mahama stated that this administration must learn to tolerate critics, promote free expression, and safeguard journalists from harm (NDC).
The former president raised worry on press repression, which he claimed had resulted in “media intimidation”
According to him, “an intimidated populace is not an appropriate resource for sustainable progress and national development.”
The World Press Freedom Index has ranked Ghana 60th internationally and 10th in Africa, a decline of 30 positions.
It was the lowest rating for the country in nearly two decades, after ranking 66th in 2005 and 67th in 2002.
According to the research by Reporters Without Borders, despite the country’s reputation as a regional leader in terms of political stability, journalists have faced increasing difficulties in recent years.
The former president also urged the ruling NPP to shift its attention to bolstering democracy in Ghana.
“The NDC also believes that democracy entails managing the nation’s resources responsibly to satisfy the perceived needs of every Ghanaian,”
“Democracy, transparency, and accountability are inseparable; therefore, in addition to generating opportunities for all, leaders must wage a vigorous war against corruption,” Mahama said.
