Ghana Launches Journalist Safety Policy to Strengthen Press Freedom
Ghana has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting press freedom and holding individuals accountable for attacks against journalists, as the government and media stakeholders push for stronger safety measures across the industry.
The country’s Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, made the remarks while delivering the keynote address at a public forum organised by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA).
Held under the theme “Ending Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists in Ghana: Strengthening Safety, Accountability and Press Freedom”, the event coincided with the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists.
The forum also featured the launch of the Model Safety of Journalists Policy, designed to provide media organisations with a framework for protecting journalists against physical, digital, legal and psychological threats.
George described a free and independent press as essential to a functioning democracy. He also highlighted Ghana’s improvement in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index, where the country ranked 39th out of 180 countries, up from 52nd in 2025 and placing fourth in Africa.
The minister attributed the improvement to what he described as the government’s commitment to openness, engagement and accountability under President John Dramani Mahama’s administration.
However, George acknowledged that challenges remain, citing reported cases of assaults against media professionals. He warned that impunity could encourage further attacks and called for prompt reporting, impartial investigations, regular updates to victims and prosecution where warranted.
“No uniform, no office, no party card and no private influence should place anyone above the law,” George said, reaffirming that the government would not tolerate violence against journalists carrying out their professional duties.
Opening the forum, MFWA Executive Director Sulemana Braimah raised concerns about the safety of media workers across West Africa. He pointed to regional data indicating an increase in violations against journalists and stressed that addressing impunity is necessary to protect the public’s right to information.
The launch of the policy adds to ongoing efforts to strengthen journalist safety, accountability and press freedom in Ghana and across the region.
