Ghana celebrates World Press Freedom Day

Today marks a significant occasion on the global media calendar as journalists, media professionals, and civil society advocates in Ghana and around the world, commemorated World Press Freedom Day. The annual event was a time to reaffirm the commitment to press freedom and urging governments to uphold democratic values.

The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), and other media organizations, spearheaded the commemoration in Koforidua, emphasizing the critical role of a free and independent media in sustaining democracy. This year’s theme, “A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of the Environmental Crisis,” highlights the pressing need for media attention to environmental issues.

For the first time, the GJA organized the national-level commemoration in the Eastern Region, signaling the commitment to promote press freedom across all regions in Ghana.

GJA President Albert Kwabena Dwumfour outlined their agenda for leveraging media influence to address environmental challenges, particularly focusing on sustainable solutions.

Furthermore, the GJA urged media practitioners to continue their campaign against illegal small-scale mining, commonly known as “galamsey,” which poses severe threats to Ghana’s natural resources. The association called for collective action and government intervention to combat environmental degradation effectively.

However, amidst calls for environmental activism, the GJA did not overlook the challenges facing journalists, including recent attacks on media houses. The petrol bomb attack on Class FM, a media group, was condemned as a “terrorist act,” with the association calling for swift police action to apprehend the perpetrators.

Highlighting the importance of press freedom in promoting national peace, the GJA president emphasized the need for law enforcement agencies to prioritize the protection of journalists and media personnel. Despite challenges, Ghana’s progress in the World Press Freedom Index was celebrated, with the country ascending to the top 50 nations globally.

The commemoration also was a platform to honour fallen journalists who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. A moment of silence was observed in tribute to their dedication and commitment to upholding press freedom.

The Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Seth Kwame Akyeampong, emphasized the critical significance of press freedom in a democratic society, citing Article 29 of the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana.

He reiterated that freedom of the press is not only a fundamental human right but also the cornerstone that sustains a vibrant democracy.

In the face of evolving challenges, Ghana’s media fraternity remains resolute in its mission to uphold press freedom and advocate for a sustainable future for generations to come.