GJA Celebrates Ghana’s 39th Position in World Press Freedom Rankings
The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has celebrated Ghana’s leap to 39th place globally and 4th in Africa on the 2026 World Press Freedom Index, calling it proof that sustained advocacy is strengthening media freedom.
The announcement was made as the GJA joined the global community to mark World Press Freedom Day 2026, observed annually on May 3 under the theme “Shaping a Future at Peace.”
Ghana moved from 52nd to 39th in the latest rankings published by Reporters Without Borders, with improvements recorded across all five key indicators assessed.
“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.
The GJA commended the Government, civil society, media institutions, and national and international partners for their collaboration in creating 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.”
While welcoming the progress, the GJA stressed that more work remains. It called for urgent action 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 pressed 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 to defend press freedom.
“We will continue to speak truth to power, challenge injustices and hold duty-bearers accountable without fear or favour,” he said. Upcoming events
The GJA will organise a national event later this month to mark World Press Freedom Day and honour journalists and institutions that have advanced media development and democratic accountability.
Meanwhile, Dwumfour is leading a delegation to Paris for the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) Centenary Congress, from May 4 to 7, 2026.
The Congress, themed “100 years of international solidarity for strong journalism and trade unionism,” will bring together over 300 journalists’ unions and associations to set the IFJ’s direction for 2026–2029.
Delegates will discuss artificial intelligence, safety, youth engagement, gender equality, surveillance, and the role of unions in protecting jobs and promoting ethical journalism.
The GJA extended appreciation to journalists, editors, media owners, regulators, civil society, development partners and citizens “whose dedication, courage and professionalism continue to sustain and advance press freedom in Ghana.”
Story by Hajara Fuseini
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