Press freedom not privilege, but fundamental right-Pres

Press freedom is not a privilege granted by government but a fundamental right enshrined in Ghana’s Constitution, and must never be allowed to swing like a pendulum with the tide of political cycles, the President, Mr John Dramani Mahama has declared.
He cautioned that while government recognised the press as a cornerstone of democracy and development, the media’s independence must be protected not only from state interference, but also from corporate interests and forces seeking to distort public discourse.
President John Dramani Mahama, whose address as the special guest of honour was read on his behalf by Minister in charge of Government Communications, Mr Felix Kwakye Ofosu, made these remarks at the 2025 World Press Freedom Day and Honours Night in Accra on Friday.
It was held on the theme “Reporting in the brave new world: The impact of Artificial Intelligence on press freedom and the media,” organised by the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA).
The day is observed to celebrate the principles of press freedom and honour journalists who risk their lives to inform the public.
President Mahama cautioned that modern threats go beyond censorship, adding that disinformation was a tool that manipulated perception and undermined trust, while AI posed risks when used without ethics.
He cited the Right to Information Act and institutional reforms as progress, but lamented unresolved cases like the murder of journalist Ahmed Hussein Suale.
President Mahama reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to press freedom and called on media owners, civil society, and security agencies to create a safe environment for journalism to thrive.
The President of the GJA, Mr Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, pledged the Association’s resolve to advocate better working conditions for journalists across the country, while warning against partisan allegiances that compromise journalistic integrity.
He expressed concern over the safety of journalists, revealing that 11 assaults on media professionals had already been recorded in February 2025 alone. He described that as a threat to Ghana’s democratic values and urged the Ghana Police Service to act swiftly.
Turning to the 2025 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders, he noted Ghana’s global ranking had dropped from 50th in 2024 to 52nd in 2025. Though the overall score rose slightly from 67.13 to 67.71 per cent, the security indicator declined from 72nd to 86th place, with a score fall from 82.94 to 78.93 per cent.
“These details clearly demonstrate the country’s declining performance in press freedom and should serve as a wake-up call to all stakeholders,” Mr Dwumfour said, calling for collaboration among government, civil society, and the media.
He also stressed the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) in journalism, citing its ability to improve newsroom operations through automated transcription, data analysis, and content customisation. While AI could enable more in-depth reporting, he warned against the unchecked spread of AI-generated misinformation.
The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, highlighted the need for global standards to protect journalists and urged capacity-building efforts to equip them against synthetic media threats.
He charged the media to act as the nation’s conscience, resisting retaliatory politics and promoting leadership through service, not suppression.
The event also honoured individuals and institutions for their impact on journalism in Ghana.
The honourees include former Ghanaian Times Editor and past GJA President, Ms Ajoa Yeboah-Afari, along with 23 other distinguished individuals and institutions such as Ambassador Kabral Blay-Amihere and Mrs Gifty Afenyi-Dadzie (both former GJA presidents), recognised for their exceptional contributions to press freedom and the development of Ghana’s media landscape. Edward Adetsi was named the 28th GJA PAV Ansah Journalist of the Year.
BY STEPHANIE BIRIKORANG

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