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Ghana improved from 62nd in 2023 to 50th place in the 2024 World Press Freedom Index, according to Albert Kwabena Dwumfuor, President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA).
During the World Press Freedom Day celebration in Koforidua, Eastern Region, on May 3, he gave an update on the progress.
The GJA’s vigorous efforts to protect journalistic independence, he claimed, “have been instrumental in our rise in the rankings.”
One of the main tactics he cited for the improvement was the blacklisting of political individuals with supporters who had assaulted media outlets and journalists.
Albert Dwumfuor emphasized that there are still issues to be resolved, such as the recent attacks on media outlets and journalists, such the petrol bomb attack on Class FM.
He denounced the assault and called it a terrorist crime.
“That was clearly a terrorist act, and it’s a shame Ghana is fast degenerating into such a culture of barbarism,” he stated. “The GJA unreservedly condemns these attacks and calls on the Ghana Police Service to expedite investigations and prosecute the perpetrators.”
Despite these challenges, the GJA is committed to using journalism to address environmental issues like illegal mining, sanitation, and climate change.
This aligns with the global theme of World Press Freedom Day 2024, “Press for the Planet: Journalism in the face of the environmental crisis.”
“The GJA seeks to lead a strong media campaign for the protection of the environment and the good of the country,” said Dwumfuor.
He urged other reporters to concentrate on other environmental concerns and join the battle against “galamsey,” or unlawful small-scale mining.
Albert Dwumfuor urged for more cooperation with stakeholders and security authorities and stated that GJA is working on projects with important organizations like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Source: Ghanatodayonline.com
