Ghana Climbs to 39th in World Press Freedom Rankings
Ghana has risen to 39th place globally and 4th in Africa on the 2026 World Press Freedom Index, up from 52nd last year, the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) announced as it marked World Press Freedom Day.
The rankings, published by Reporters Without Borders, showed improvements across all five key indicators assessed.
The GJA called the leap “proof that sustained advocacy is strengthening media freedom.”
“We take pride in this achievement, which underscores the impact of sustained advocacy, constructive engagement and the unwavering commitment of the GJA and its partners to defend and promote media freedom,” the Association said in a statement today.
World Press Freedom Day is observed annually on May 3. This year’s theme is “Shaping a Future at Peace.”
The GJA commended the Government, civil society, media institutions, and national and international partners for collaborating to create a more enabling environment for journalism.
It singled out President John Dramani Mahama, a member of the Association, for “his personal efforts and dedication to the improvement in the rankings.”
Despite the progress, the GJA said urgent action is needed on journalist safety, media sustainability, and regulatory reforms.
The Association urged the Government and the Ghana Police Service to ensure that all attacks against journalists are “promptly, thoroughly and transparently investigated, with perpetrators held accountable to end the culture of impunity.”
It also called for the review and repeal of provisions in laws such as the Electronic Communications Act, 2008, which it said are “frequently weaponised to intimidate and silence journalists.”
“These and other deliberate reforms will create a more enabling and secure environment for media practice, strengthen public trust and ultimately contribute to further improvements in Ghana’s standing,” the GJA stated.
GJA President Albert Dwumfour reaffirmed the Association’s mandate: “We will continue to speak truth to power, challenge injustices and hold duty-bearers accountable without fear or favour.”
Story by Hajara Fuseini
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