Shamima Muslim calls for stronger media-security cooperation to protect Ghana’s peace

By: Hubeyidatu Mumuni 

Shamima Muslim, a communications and governance advocate, has called for stronger collaboration between the media, government and national security institutions to protect Ghana’s peace, democracy and constitutional freedoms.

She said the media must evolve beyond its traditional role of reporting events to becoming a responsible partner in promoting credible information, early warning and national stability.

Ms Muslim made the call at a capacity-building workshop organised by the Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG), in collaboration with the National Security Secretariat, at the Platinum Bay Hotel in Ga East in the Greater Accra Region.

Reflecting on the future of journalism in Ghana, she questioned whether the country would leave behind a credible record of its history for future generations.

“When Ghana’s history is written, will there be a printed, credible record that says this is the true account—verified, calmed when we needed to calm, protected when we needed to protect—reflection of our history?” she asked.

She stressed that the relevance of print media should not be measured solely by the decline of traditional newspapers, but by its ability to adapt to the changing information environment.

“Print has not died. It must evolve from newspaper to an early warning partner,” she said.

Ms Muslim also called for an information environment where journalists can carry out their work without intimidation while security institutions can perform their duties without unnecessary exposure.

“We must build an information environment in which the media can investigate without intimidation, security institutions can operate without reckless exposure, and citizens can access credible information, and legitimate criticism can be expressed without becoming a weapon for division,” she stated.

She commended PRINPAG and the National Security Secretariat for initiating the partnership, saying such engagements were necessary to build mutual understanding and professional competence between the media and security institutions.

“I congratulate PRINPAG and the National Security Secretariat for investing in this partnership. May the workshop deepen our trust, and strengthen our professional competence to establish enduring channels of cooperation between independent media, and government, and our national security institutions,” she said.

Ms Muslim further urged journalists and media practitioners to recognise the power of their platforms and use them responsibly to protect Ghana’s peace and democratic gains.

“May all of you, every participant, leave with a renewed understanding that the journalist’s pen, camera, microphone, and digital platform can serve, and should serve, not only as instruments of illumination, but also as shields protecting our peace, our democracy,” she said.

According to her, responsible journalism was particularly important in times of tension, warning that society as a whole suffers when conflict escalates.

“No one wins in times of war,” she stressed.

She said the media had a collective responsibility to uphold accuracy, professional ethics and constitutional freedoms while ensuring that national peace and security remained a priority.

“Our collective duty is clear: to communicate accurately, to act responsibly, to defend constitutional freedoms, and to place the peace and security of Ghana above every competing interest,” Ms Muslim stated.

She also linked the call for responsible journalism to President John Dramani Mahama’s agenda to reset Ghana, saying the media and other institutions must equally renew their commitment to truth, trust and responsibility.

“Together, let us reset our economy. Let us reset our journalism. Let us reset our politics. Let us reset our security and build stronger institutions while restoring hope that truly Ghana is the star of Africa when we protect the truth upon which the future of our republic depends,” she said.

The capacity-building workshop forms part of efforts to strengthen the professional capacity of media practitioners and promote constructive engagement between independent media organisations and national security institutions.