First Deputy Speaker Refutes Claims of Hostile Conduct Toward Journalist, Reaffirms Commitment to Media Freedom

By Samuel Asamoah 

The First Deputy Speaker of Parliament has dismissed media reports suggesting that he acted in an unfriendly manner toward a journalist during a parliamentary engagement on Wednesday, describing the claims as misleading and taken out of context.

In a statement issued on Thursday, he clarified that at no point did he show hostility toward the journalist involved, stressing that he has always held the media in high regard and continues to value the essential role journalists play in strengthening Ghana’s democratic discourse.

According to him, the interaction that sparked the reports was mischaracterized, noting that his concern “was simply about the manner in which the interaction was being initiated, not with the journalist personally or with the media as an institution.”

He explained that as a long-serving public office holder, he maintains a cordial working relationship with the press and has over the years granted numerous formal and informal interviews to provide clarity on matters of public interest. He emphasized that while he remains accessible to the media, responsible journalism requires that engagement with public officials—especially within the precincts of Parliament—be conducted with courtesy, decorum, and mutual respect.

“It is neither out of place nor unreasonable to request a proper sit-down engagement, as has been the practice in the past,” he noted, adding that this approach ensures orderliness and accuracy in media interactions.

The Deputy Speaker further reaffirmed his openness to granting interviews, stating unequivocally that he remains available for a one-on-one conversation with the journalist at the center of the issue, Yalley, as well as other media practitioners with whom he has maintained longstanding professional relationships.

He cited Komla Klutsey, Bismark Kweku Asante, and several other reporters as individuals with whom he has had smooth, respectful engagements over the years.

“My doors remain open, and I look forward to continued productive engagement with the media fraternity,” he assured.

The clarification comes at a time when concerns about press freedom, access to public officials, and the working environment for journalists in Ghana continue to generate national debate.