Minister in Charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has assured the government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding journalists.

0

He stressed that their protection is not a matter of discretion but a fundamental constitutional obligation.

1

Delivering a keynote address at the 2025 World Press Freedom Day celebration organized by the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) in Accra on Friday, May 2, the minister reflected on the theme, “Reporting in the Brave New World – The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media.”

2

Describing the event as one that invites both “cautious optimism and solemn reflection,” Kwakye Ofosu acknowledged Ghana’s recent struggles with press freedom, referencing the country’s sharp fall to 60th in the global press freedom rankings in 2022.

3

He attributed the decline to “unwarranted attacks on journalists, closure of some media houses, and an atmosphere of intimidation,” which, he said, had dented Ghana’s long-standing image as a leader in media freedom across the region.

4

“These incidents were deeply regrettable,” he stated. “And must serve as a reminder that the protection of journalists is not optional, but rather a sacred constitutional duty.”

5

Kwakye Ofosu pointed to the shifting nature of threats to media freedom in the digital age, stressing that censorship is no longer the only concern. “The threat is no longer just censorship, but also disinformation—deliberate, well-orchestrated, and increasingly intricate,” he warned.

6

He explained that disinformation now poses serious risks to peace and democracy. “What begins as a meme or a voice note in a WhatsApp group can spiral into violence,” he said, warning of the powerful influence of false information on public perception.

7

Turning his attention to artificial intelligence (AI), the minister acknowledged its potential benefits for journalism—including faster data analysis and improved workflows—but cautioned that the technology could also become harmful if not governed responsibly.

8

“AI has no friends, no enemies, and no fear—unless it is trained to have them,” he said. “Without a journalist anchored in fairness, credibility, and ethical judgment, AI risks becoming a force that undermines the very freedoms it could support.”

9

He cautioned against prioritizing speed over substance: “The faster we move, the easier it becomes to overlook scrutiny, accountability, nuance, and context. When speed overtakes deliberation, the risk is not just error. It is abuse.”

10

Kwakye Ofosu urged media professionals to respond with courage and responsibility, saying they must “gird their loins” to face the ethical challenges posed by AI and disinformation.

11

He also used the occasion to reference the unresolved murder of investigative journalist Ahmed Hussein Suale, assuring the public that the government remains committed to ensuring that justice is served.

12

“These acts of impunity will not define our future,” he said. “We remain unwavering in our commitment to protecting journalists and upholding their constitutional freedoms.”

13

The minister reaffirmed that under President John Dramani Mahama’s leadership, Ghana is committed to regaining its status as a model of press freedom on the African continent.

14

He called for collective responsibility in protecting journalists, stressing the need for collaboration among media owners, security services, civil society, political stakeholders, and the public.

15

Press freedom, he argued, must not be subject to political convenience. “It must not swing with political cycles,” he said, “but be grounded in law, safeguarded by civic vigilance, and nurtured by a culture of transparency.”

16

Kwakye Ofosu also urged the media to remain ethically grounded, warning against the influence of non-state actors. “To serve special interests, corporate influence, or any agenda other than the truth is also to serve power,” he said.

17

He emphasised that the government is working to strengthen the media sector through fair working conditions, professional development opportunities, and policy reforms that promote safety and sustainability.

18

The minister highlighted the Right to Information Act as one of the key reforms aimed at improving transparency and public access to credible information.

19

He also congratulated winners at the GJA awards ceremony, particularly the recipient of the Journalist of the Year title, and expressed appreciation to veteran journalists for their contributions to Ghana’s media landscape.

20

“If today media practice in Ghana has become commonplace and carried out in an atmosphere of freedom, then it is down to the dedication and commitment of these individuals,” he said.

21

In conclusion, Kwakye Ofosu reiterated President Mahama’s support for press freedom, calling on all stakeholders to work toward a democratic society where journalists operate freely, technology advances truth, and the media remains a cornerstone of governance.

22