Government Commited to Ensuring Safety for Media Professionals

The appointed Minister of Information, Fatimatu Abubakar, emphasized the government’s dedication to ensuring a secure environment for media professionals in Ghana.

During her recent visit to media organizations, she highlighted government initiatives like the Media Capacity Enhancement Program and the Coordinated Mechanism on the Safety of Journalists, aimed at bolstering media capabilities and ensuring their safety.

This commitment coincides with Ghana’s advancement in the World Press Freedom Index, climbing from 62 to 50.

At a World Press Freedom Day event, Albert Dwumfuor, the National President of the Ghana Journalists Association, credited this progress to decisive actions taken by the GJA leadership, including blacklisting politicians whose supporters assaulted journalists.

Dwumfuor also condemned recent attacks on media outlets and urged swift investigation and prosecution.

This year’s World Press Freedom Day theme, “Leveraging journalism for a sustainable environment and future,” underscores the media’s role in environmental advocacy.

Dwumfuor called for renewed efforts against illegal mining, highlighting the media’s power to drive positive change.

However, Kevin Brosnahan, the US Press Attache, expressed concern over rising attacks on journalists in Ghana, citing incidents of invasion and physical assaults. He called for justice in cases like the murder of journalist Ahmed Suale.

In response, Abubakar reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving press freedom, pledging to enhance various indicators affecting it and advocating for severe punishment for attacks on journalists.