By Nadia Ntiamoah
The President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, has issued a strong call for greater protection of journalists, broader stakeholder consultations on proposed media legislation, and urgent action against growing legal and digital threats confronting the media landscape.
Speaking at the 2nd GJA World Press Freedom Day Honours Night held at the Alisa Hotel in Accra, Dwumfour said while Ghana had made significant gains in press freedom, emerging threats such as strategic lawsuits, digital surveillance, online harassment, economic pressures and restrictive laws continue to pose serious risks to journalism and democratic accountability.
The event, which brought together senior government officials, media practitioners, development partners and civil society leaders, was attended by deputy Chief of Staff Nana Oye Bampoe-Addo, Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations Samuel Nartey George, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, Bank of Ghana Second Deputy Governor Matilda Asante-Asiedu, UNESCO Representative Edmond Moukala and several veteran journalists.
The annual honours night was organised to celebrate journalists, media institutions and press freedom advocates whose work has contributed to democratic governance, accountability and national development.
Journalism Remains A Critical Public Service
Addressing the gathering, the GJA President described journalism as more than a profession, insisting that it remains an essential public service that informs citizens, amplifies marginalized voices and holds public officials accountable.
He noted that many journalists continue to work under difficult conditions, often facing intimidation, threats, harassment, physical attacks and online abuse simply for carrying out their constitutional responsibilities.
According to him, the occasion was intended not only to celebrate excellence in journalism but also to recognise the sacrifices made by media practitioners who have helped strengthen the democracy and defend freedom of expression over the years.
Global Challenges Threatening Journalism
Dwumfour said this year’s World Press Freedom Day celebrations were held under the theme, “Shaping a Future at Peace: Promoting Press Freedom for Human Rights, Development and Security,” a theme he described as highly relevant in today’s rapidly changing media environment.
He observed that journalists around the world are increasingly confronted by misinformation, disinformation, political polarization, digital manipulation, artificial intelligence and direct attacks on media freedom.
Despite these challenges, he stressed that independent journalism remains one of the strongest pillars supporting democratic governance, human rights protection and sustainable development.
He warned that without press freedom, accountability weakens, misinformation flourishes and democratic institutions become vulnerable.
Ghana Records Significant Improvement In Press Freedom Ranking
The GJA President also highlighted the recent progress on the global press freedom index.
He noted that according to the 2026 World Press Freedom Index released by the Reporters Without Borders, Ghana moved from 52nd position globally to 39th position and currently ranks fourth in Africa.
Dwumfour attributed the improvement to the collective efforts of journalists, editors, media owners, regulators, civil society organizations, democratic institutions and international partners working to strengthen media freedom and responsible journalism.
He commended all stakeholders for their contributions and acknowledged the role of President John Dramani Mahama in supporting initiatives that contributed to the improved ranking.
GJA Praises Media Development Fund
The Association also praised President Mahama’s proposal to establish a Media Development Fund aimed at strengthening media institutions, improving professional standards, enhancing capacity building and supporting the long-term sustainability of the industry.
According to Dwumfour, the initiative has the potential to significantly improve operational conditions within the media sector and contribute to greater independence and professionalism.
However, while commending the President’s support for media development, he urged him to be more vocal and consistent in condemning attacks on journalists and violations of press freedom.
He emphasized that protecting journalists must remain a national priority if Ghana is to preserve its democratic gains and maintain its reputation as one of Africa’s leading defenders of media freedom.
Concerns Over Growing Legal Threats Against Journalists
One of the strongest messages delivered during the event centered on what the GJA described as the growing use of Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP suits) against journalists and media organizations.
Dwumfour warned that such lawsuits are becoming a major threat to investigative journalism and public-interest reporting.
He cited the GH¢21 million defamation suit filed against investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni by Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited in relation to publications linked to his book.
He also referenced the GH¢20 million lawsuit filed by former Energy Minister Matthew Opoku Prempeh against journalist Salifu Maase and a media organization over comments allegedly aired on television.
The GJA President argued that these lawsuits reflect an emerging trend in which journalists and media houses are increasingly exposed to lengthy litigation, financial risks and reputational attacks capable of discouraging critical reporting.
