President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting media freedom and freedom of expression, describing a free and independent press as a cornerstone of democracy, human rights and sustainable development.

He said fearless and responsible journalism remains vital in promoting accountability, transparency and good governance, stressing that governments must welcome scrutiny rather than fear it.

President Mahama made the remarks in a speech read on his behalf by the Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Mr Samuel Nartey George, at the Second World Press Freedom Day Commemoration and Honours Night organised by the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) in Accra on Saturday.

The event was held on the theme, “Shaping a Future at Peace: Promoting Press Freedom for Human Rights, Development and Security.”

According to the President, media freedom is not a privilege but a fundamental pillar of democratic governance and national development.

He said his government remains firmly committed to upholding press freedom and freedom of expression, adding that journalists have every right to pursue the truth wherever it leads.

President Mahama noted that Ghana continues to demonstrate that governance can be strengthened without suppressing media voices, and commended the country’s progress on the Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index.

He highlighted Ghana’s improvement in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index, where the country moved to 39th position out of 180 countries, up from 52nd in 2024 and 62nd in 2023.

He described the achievement as a reflection of Ghana’s strong democratic credentials and commitment to media freedom.

The President, however, cautioned against the growing threat of misinformation and disinformation, particularly on digital platforms.

He urged journalists and media organisations to uphold high ethical standards, strengthen fact-checking mechanisms and invest in continuous professional development to safeguard the credibility of the profession.

President Mahama also paid tribute to veteran journalists for their contributions to Ghana’s democratic development and their role in protecting the public’s right to information.

In his address, the President of the GJA, Mr Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, described journalism as a public service and commended media practitioners for their sacrifices in promoting accountability and defending democratic values.

He praised President Mahama for supporting efforts to establish a Media Development Fund aimed at strengthening media sustainability and professionalism.

Mr Dwumfour, however, warned that press freedom continues to face threats from strategic lawsuits against journalists, digital surveillance, online harassment and economic pressures.

He cautioned that excessive litigation against journalists and media houses could create a chilling effect on investigative journalism and undermine the public’s right to information.

He called on stakeholders to protect journalists and promote responsible, ethical journalism to safeguard Ghana’s democratic gains.

The ceremony honoured several distinguished personalities, including Ghanaian diplomat and media advocate Alhaji Abdul Rahman Haruna Atta; lawyer and journalist Mr Samson Lardy Anyenini; and former Justice of the Supreme Court, the late Justice Kwame Afreh, for their contributions to press freedom.

Other honourees were former Ghana Ambassador to Germany and veteran journalist Ambassador Gina Blay; renowned sports journalist Mr Kwabena Yeboah; former Managing Director of the Graphic Communications Group Limited, Mr Kofi Badu; Director-General of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, Prof. Amin Alhassan; Group Chief Executive Officer of Media General, Mrs Beatrice Agyeman; Chief Operating Officer of the Multimedia Group, Mr Ken Ansah; and Managing Director of the Despite Media Group, Mr Fada Dickson Narh.