At the 30th GJA Media Awards in Accra, President Albert Dwumfour urged the state to show greater respect for press freedom, arguing that journalists are not enemies of the state despite a surge in attacks and harassment.
Dwumfour highlighted that the Ghana Journalists Association had recorded more than 50 incidents involving attacks, arrests and harassment of journalists between 2022 and January 2026. He said the nation’s climb from 52nd in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index to 39th in 2026 should not mask the ongoing challenges faced by media practitioners.
“The true measure of press freedom is not merely where a country ranks internationally, but whether journalists can investigate corruption, question public officials, report on security operations, and hold powerful institutions accountable without intimidation or fear,” he said.
He called for sustained action to address safety concerns, economic insecurity, media independence and professional development, stressing that the Association’s role is to consolidate gains and confront persistent threats.
Ghana’s progress on international indices remains a positive sign, yet Dwumfour warned that the reported incidents underline the need for continued efforts to protect journalists and safeguard media independence.
