The Ghana Journalists Association has welcomed Ghana’s improved position on the global press freedom stage, describing it as a sign of steady progress and collective effort.
In its statement marking World Press Freedom Day on May 3, 2026, the association highlighted Ghana’s rise on the World Press Freedom Index, moving from 52nd position to 39th globally, and ranking fourth in Africa.
The index is compiled annually by Reporters Without Borders.
The GJA described the improvement as significant, noting that it reflects progress across all five indicators used in the assessment.
“This significant progress reflects improvements across all five key indicators assessed during the period. We take pride in this achievement, which underscores the impact of sustained advocacy, constructive engagement and the unwavering commitment of the GJA and its partners to defend and promote media freedom in Ghana,” the statement, signed by General Secretary Dominic Hlordzi, said.
The association also praised President John Dramani Mahama for his role in the country’s improved ranking.
“We want to particularly commend the President, John Dramani Mahama, who is a proud member of the association, for his personal efforts and dedication to the improvement in the rankings,” the GJA noted.
It further acknowledged the contributions of government, civil society, media organisations and both local and international partners in advancing press freedom.
“We commend the government of Ghana, civil society, media institutions and our national and international partners who stood in solidarity with the GJA in advancing a freer and more responsible media landscape. Their collaboration with the GJA has been instrumental in creating a more enabling environment for journalism to thrive.”
Despite the gains, the association stressed that challenges remain and called for renewed commitment to protecting journalists.
It urged the government and the Ghana Police Service to ensure that attacks on journalists are properly investigated and perpetrators held accountable to curb impunity.
The GJA also called for reforms to certain laws, particularly the Electronic Communications Act, 2008, which it said are often used to intimidate journalists.
According to the association, such reforms would help create a safer and more enabling environment for media practice, strengthen public trust and further improve Ghana’s global standing.
This year’s celebration was held on the theme “Shaping a Future at Peace,” which the GJA said offers a timely opportunity to reaffirm the importance of freedom of expression.
“This year’s theme provides a critical opportunity to reaffirm freedom of expression, both as a normative principle and (as) an empirical tool for shaping resilient, inclusive and peaceful information societies.”
GJA President Albert Dwumfour reiterated the association’s commitment to accountability and press freedom.
“We will continue to speak truth to power, challenge injustices and hold duty-bearers accountable without fear or favour.”
As part of the commemoration, the association announced plans to organise a national event later this month to honour journalists and institutions that have contributed significantly to media development and democratic accountability in Ghana.
Meanwhile, the GJA President is leading a delegation to Paris to participate in the centenary congress of the International Federation of Journalists from May 4 to 7, 2026.
The congress, themed “100 years of international solidarity for strong journalism and trade unionism,” will bring together over 300 journalists’ unions and associations worldwide to discuss key issues shaping the future of the profession, including artificial intelligence, safety, youth participation, gender equality and surveillance.
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