Politicians have hijacked ownership of media houses to suppress press freedom — Charlotte Osei

Charlotte Osei, the former Chairperson of Ghana's Electoral Commission, has warned that the country's media landscape risks stifling free speech if ownership remains concentrated in the hands of politicians.

Speaking at the University of Ghana on Friday, April 26, Charlotte Osei lamented what she sees as growing political interference in the country's press.

“We have allowed politicians to hijack the ownership of media houses. And so, the plurality of media houses has now become a tool either for attack or for suppression of press freedom," she said.

Charlotte Osei was addressing students and academics on the topic of “free speech and academic freedom: where do we draw the line?”

She argued that independent, non-partisan ownership of the media is crucial to maintaining an open debate of ideas in Ghanaian society.

Under the current structure, several major newspapers and television stations are owned or controlled by figures closely linked to the two main political parties.

This has led to accusations that coverage is tilted to suit the interests and messaging of the ruling elite.

The former EC chair called for reforms to promote a diversity of voices in the ownership of Ghana's influential broadcast and print media.

Only by reducing political influence over news organizations, she said, can the country safeguard journalistic integrity and the free exchange of opinions protected under the constitution.