The Chief of Staff, Dr Julius Debrah, has called for greater respect for the role of journalists and other critical voices in Ghana’s democratic governance, stressing that media practitioners who question government policies and decisions should not be regarded as enemies of the state.
He said the work of journalists included scrutinising the actions of public officials, asking difficult questions and bringing issues of public concern to the attention of the authorities and the wider society.
According to Dr Debrah, attempts to silence or intimidate critical voices could weaken democratic institutions and undermine the principles of accountability and good governance.
“Journalists who question government are not enemies of the state,” he stated, emphasising the need for political and state institutions to accommodate criticism as an essential part of democratic practice.
The Chief of Staff further stressed that leadership had a responsibility to defend institutions that provided space for differing opinions, criticism and what he described as “inconvenient truths.”
He said democratic governance could not thrive if public officials only listened to views that were favourable to them.
Rather, he urged leaders to recognise that criticism, even when uncomfortable, could help identify weaknesses in government policies and improve decision-making.
He said institutions must therefore be strengthened to ensure that journalists, civil society organisations and citizens could freely raise concerns without being treated as adversaries of the state.
Peaceful protest is a constitutional right
Dr Debrah also underscored the constitutional right of citizens to engage in peaceful protests, describing such demonstrations as an important feature of democratic participation.
He maintained that citizens had the right to express their dissatisfaction with policies, decisions or developments through lawful and peaceful means.
He therefore called on state institutions and political leaders to protect the democratic space within which citizens could freely express their views.
“Peaceful protest is a constitutional right,” he said, stressing that leadership must defend institutions and democratic processes that make room for dissenting views.
Accountability and democracy
The Chief of Staff’s comments highlight the importance of maintaining a healthy relationship between government and the media in a democratic society.
Journalists, he noted, had a responsibility to scrutinise those entrusted with public office, while government officials and institutions also had a responsibility to respond to legitimate questions and concerns raised by the media and the public.
He said the ability of citizens and journalists to challenge decisions, demand explanations and raise uncomfortable issues was not necessarily an indication of hostility towards government.
Instead, he suggested, such engagement could contribute to transparency, accountability and better governance.
Dr Debrah’s remarks come at a time when public discussion of government policies and national issues continues to generate strong opinions across the media, civil society and among citizens.
His call for tolerance of criticism reinforces the principle that democratic institutions must remain open to scrutiny while ensuring that public debate is conducted peacefully and responsibly.
The Chief of Staff consequently urged stakeholders to protect Ghana’s democratic institutions and create an environment where criticism and dissent could contribute constructively to national development rather than being treated as threats to the state.
