President John Mahama has commended Ghanaian journalists for their contribution to the development of the country’s democracy.
In a message to mark World Press Freedom Day on May 3, the President said the work of journalists is indispensable.
“Happy World Press Freedom Day to all Ghanaian journalists and others across the world. As president of the republic, I join the people of Ghana in celebrating the vital role played by the Ghanaian media in stabilising our democracy. From holding our leadership accountable to amplifying the voices of our citizens, your work is indispensable,” he posted on X.
“I commend the dedication and resilience of our journalists and media professionals. Continue to uphold the highest standards of journalistic integrity, fostering informed public discourse, and contributing to a stronger, more vibrant Ghana,” the President added.
He urged journalists to collaborate with government to enhance the country’s democracy.
“Let’s work together to enhance our democracy through truth, accuracy, and ethical reporting, ensuring a free and responsible press that empowers citizens and strengthens our nation. As my Minister for Government Communications stated on Friday at the GJA Honours Night, the government will continue to work towards a free and thriving media space in Ghana,” President Mahama assured.
World Press Freedom Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in December 1993, following the recommendation of UNESCO’s General Conference. Since then, 3 May, the anniversary of the Declaration of Windhoek is celebrated worldwide as World Press Freedom Day.
After 30 years, the historic connection made between the freedom to seek, impart and receive information and the public good remains as relevant as it was at the time of its signing. Special commemorations of the 30th anniversary are planned to take place during World Press Freedom Day International Conference.
May 3 acts as a reminder to governments of the need to respect their commitment to press freedom. It is also a day of reflection among media professionals about issues of press freedom and professional ethics.
According to UNESCO, this year, the World Press Freedom Day global commemoration will focus on the profound influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on journalism and media under the theme: Reporting in the Brave New World – The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media.
AI is transforming journalism, providing tools that enhance investigative reporting, content creation, and fact-checking. It allows for greater efficiency, multilingual accessibility, and improved data analysis. However, these advancements also bring risks: AI-generated misinformation and disinformation, deepfake technology, biased content moderation, and surveillance threats to journalists. Additionally, AI’s role in the media business model raises concerns about fair remuneration for journalistic content and media viability.
