Press Freedom in Ghana: Are Journalists Truly Safe?

KEY POINTS

• Ghana’s journalists face rising threats, challenging press freedom.
• Recent incidents reveal gaps in journalist protection and safety.
• Government action is needed to safeguard journalists and democracy.

Ghana has historically been regarded as a pioneer in press freedom in Africa; however, recent developments indicate that journalists are facing increasing dangers. In theory, Ghana’s 1992 Constitution guarantees press freedom, and numerous policies are designed to safeguard journalists. Nevertheless, the safety and independence of the Ghanaian media are seriously jeopardized by instances of harassment, intimidation, and even violence.

Ghana’s press freedom situation

Ghana has consistently ranked highly in global press freedom evaluations, and its robust media settings are frequently lauded.
Ghana’s dedication to media liberties is evident in its ranking among the top African nations for press freedom, as reported by Reporters Without Borders.

Nevertheless, Ghana has experienced a decline in these rankings in recent years, which has been influenced by the escalating number of journalist harassment and threats. The Right to Information Act, which was enacted in 2019, was designed to increase transparency and media access to information.

However, its effectiveness has been restricted by implementation challenges. Ghana’s official posture on press freedom and the realities journalists encounter are becoming increasingly disparate, despite legal safeguards.

Threats to journalists’ safety

Ghanaian journalists are subjected to a variety of safety hazards, including psychological intimidation and physical assault. Ahmed Suale, an investigative journalist, was fatally shot in 2019 following his exposé of corruption within the Ghana Football Association.

The nation was horrified by Suale’s tragic murder, which exposed the perils that journalists encounter when they report on powerful institutions. Criticism of law enforcement’s role in safeguarding journalists has been prompted by the fact that investigations into his death have yet to be concluded, and no perpetrators have been held accountable.

Physical violence is not the sole form of threat. To discourage journalists from reporting on disputed subjects, intimidation strategies are implemented. Especially when reporting on subjects such as corruption and human rights violations, numerous journalists receive threats from political figures and influential individuals.

According to the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), journalists frequently encounter verbal harassment and online threats, which contribute to psychological stress and cultivate an environment of fear. Journalistic integrity is also at risk due to economic pressures. Journalists are frequently subjected to censorship by media owners who have political affiliations, as a result of their job insecurity and low wages.

Journalists are under pressure to align with the interests of their employers, who may censor critical news in order to protect political allies, as a result of the complex dynamic that media ownership has created.

The influence on society and journalism

The societal implications of the threats that Ghanaian journalists face are extensive. Investigative journalism, which is essential for exposing corruption and holding officials accountable, is significantly impacted when journalists are apprehensive about the potential repercussions. Some journalists have been compelled to restrict their coverage of sensitive topics due to the frequent occurrence of intimidation and violence, which has impacted the public’s access to essential and balanced information.

According to Afrobarometer surveys, nearly 60% of Ghanaians believe that media freedom is deteriorating, which is indicative of a public that values the press’s role in promoting accountability but is also increasingly sceptical about it. Citizens are deprived of dependable information, which restricts the ability to make informed decisions in the democratic process when journalists are unable to report freely.

Conclusion

Ghana’s reputation for press freedom is at a crossroads. Legal safeguards are present; however, they are inadequate to mitigate the intimidation and violence that journalists frequently encounter. In order to protect press freedom, Ghana must implement more stringent penalties for journalistic assaults and fortify the dedication of law enforcement to media protection.

Advocacy groups like the Ghana Journalists Association and international organizations, including Reporters Without Borders, play essential roles in promoting journalist safety, but without governmental action, progress will be limited.