Accra, May 3, 2026—The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) joins the global community in commemorating World Press Freedom Day 2026, under the theme “Shaping a Future at Peace.” This year’s theme provides a critical opportunity to reaffirm freedom of expression both as a normative principle and an empirical tool for shaping resilient, inclusive and peaceful information societies.
As we mark the Day, which is observed on May 3, annually, the GJA extends profound appreciation to all actors within the media ecosystem; journalists, editors, media owners, regulators, civil society organisations, development partners and citizens whose dedication, courage and professionalism continue to sustain and advance press freedom in Ghana. Your collective efforts, often undertaken under challenging conditions, remain vital in promoting truth, accountability and national cohesion.
The GJA salutes you and says Ayekoo to your resilience and unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of journalism in service of the public good.
The GJA is particularly encouraged by Ghana’s improved performance on the World Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders, where the country has moved from 52nd to 39th position in the World and 4th in Africa.
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 Association is reinvigorated in its fearless and relentless advocacy efforts, which have contributed to this progress.
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.
While this achievement is worthy of celebration, the GJA emphasises that more work remains to be done. We must consolidate the gains made and intensify efforts to address existing challenges, including journalist safety, media sustainability and regulatory reforms to further improve Ghana’s standing and strengthen democratic governance.
We want to particularly commend the President of the Republic, H.E. John Dramani Mahama who is a proud member of the Association for his personal efforts and dedication to the improvement in the rankings.
The Association urges the Government of Ghana and the leadership of the Ghana Police Service to ensure that all cases of attacks against journalists are promptly, thoroughly and transparently investigated, with perpetrators held accountable to end the culture of impunity.
At the same time, there is a pressing need to review and repeal provisions within laws such as the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 that are frequently weaponised to intimidate and silence journalists.
The GJA firmly believes that these and other deliberate reforms will create a more enabling and secure environment for media practice, strengthen public trust and ultimately contribute to further improvements in Ghana’s standing on global press freedom indices.
The GJA reaffirms its commitment to its constitutionally mandated role of promoting and defending press freedom, while ensuring a safer, more professional and vibrant media landscape in Ghana.
“We will continue to speak truth to power, challenge injustices and hold duty-bearers accountable without fear or favour.” GJA President, Albert Dwumfour stressed.
In furtherance of this year’s commemoration, the GJA will later this month organise a national event to mark World Press Freedom Day and honour journalists and institutions whose contributions have significantly advanced media development and democratic accountability in Ghana.
Meanwhile, the GJA President, Albert Dwumfour, is leading a delegation to Paris, France to participate in the International Federation of Journalists, IFJ Centenary Congress, from 4th to 7th May 2026.
The Congress, which will bring together over 300 journalists’ unions and associations from around the world, is being hosted under the theme: “100 years of international solidarity for strong journalism and trade unionism.”
The Congress will serve as a key platform to shape the IFJ’s direction for 2026–2029.
Delegates will discuss and adopt the federation’s new working programme and address core issues including artificial intelligence, safety, youth engagement in the profession, gender equality, surveillance and much more.
The Congress will also highlight the crucial role of unions in protecting jobs, promoting ethical journalism and ensuring a sustainable future for the profession.
The GJA calls on all stakeholders to remain steadfast in promoting press freedom, safeguarding journalists and building a peaceful and informed society.
Signed
Dominic Hlordzi
General Secretary
Email: hlordzidominic@gmail.com
Mobile: +233 208366615/+233 598825581
