Shamima Muslim hails gains of ‘Holy Alliance’ between media and govt in strengthening Ghana’s democracy

Deputy Government Spokesperson Shamima Muslim has described the relationship between the media and successive governments as a “holy alliance” that has played a significant role in strengthening Ghana’s democracy, accountability and electoral transparency.

According to her, sustained media scrutiny, together with the willingness of governments to respond to public concerns, has repeatedly helped the country avert threats to democratic governance and public accountability.

Speaking at the GJA 77th Anniversary Symposium and Lecture on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, Ms Muslim said the media had been instrumental in promoting the right to information and exposing corruption.

“Closely linked to the issue of right to information is our national anti-corruption and accountability campaigns,” she said.

She cited collaborations among media organisations, Parliament, the Public Accounts Committee, the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) and the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) as important in uncovering major scandals and promoting accountability.

According to Ms Muslim, such investigations had reinforced the principle that public officials could be held responsible for actions that breach the public trust.

“They have all contributed in exposing major scandals that shook the foundations of our democracy and that put the fear of the Lord in those who wield power and control the public purse,” she said.

Media’s Role in Electoral Transparency

Ms Muslim also highlighted the media’s contribution to constitutional review and national dialogue, pointing to its collaboration with the Constitution Review Commission in 2010 and subsequent national processes.

She said the partnership between the media and public institutions had also helped improve voter awareness through public education on voter registration and elections.

“It has deepened transparency also in our election processes, from our ballot papers to our ballot boxes and all the things that we do to ensure we protect the choice and the will of the people,” she said.

The Deputy Government Spokesperson maintained that these achievements demonstrated the importance of sustained cooperation between the media and government institutions in safeguarding Ghana’s democratic gains.

“This couldn’t have happened without the holy alliance playing out between you and us,” she added.