Ghana Leads In Press Freedom In Africa

Ghana has been ranked as having one of the best atmospheres of freedom for media practitioners.

Mr. Tirso dos Santos, Country Representative of UNESCO, who announced this at a symposium as part of activities to mark World Press Freedom Day, said the Reporters Without Borders (RSF) also ranked Ghana 23rd on the global level, ahead of the United States, United Kingdom and South Africa.

Ghana moved up from the 26th position it occupied among 180 countries last year.

This places Ghana at first ranking in Africa presently, an improvement upon its second ranking position in 2017.

Since 2002, the RSF has been publishing the World Press Freedom index, which measures the level of pluralism, media independence, respect for safety and freedom of journalists, among other variables.

He commended Ghana for the achievement and said there was a lot to be learnt from the Ghanaian experience.

Completing the top three slots for Africa were Namibia in 26th and South Africa in 28th slot. At the bottom of the ranking was Eritrea at 179th, Africa's worst placement. Others in the not free bracket were Sudan, Egypt, Burundi, Equatorial Guinea, Djibouti and Somalia.

General elections were held in December 2016 without major incidents or media freedom violations. Ghana is regarded as one of the most democratic countries in Africa and Chapter 12 of its 1992 constitution guarantees media pluralism and independence

Other speakers for the occasion included Mr. Affail Money, President of the Ghana Journalists Association, Dr. Anthony Bonah Koomson, a media consultant, Madam Mavis Kitcher, editor of the Junior Graphic, Mr. Cameron Doudu, ace journalist and former editor of the Daily Graphic, amongst others.

Themed, 'Addressing Press Freedom in Ghana's Search for Democracy: Lessons learned and the Way Forward,' the symposium discussed the various stages of journalism in the country over the years, and also, the need to protect the current freedom the media enjoys in the country.