The Volta Regional Minister, Hon. James Gunu, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to press freedom, emphasizing that journalists are partners in nation-building. According to #GJA, the minister announced concrete steps, including a Media Development Fund, review of constitutional media provisions, and decentralization of the National Media Commission to all 16 regions.
“Without a free press, there can be no accountability,” Gunu stressed, represented by Josephine Dake-Abrahams, adding that the administration will not use state agencies to harass journalists. He urged the media to prioritize fact-checking, emphasizing that “Speed is crucial but accuracy is more”.
Speaker after speaker underscored the importance of press freedom. GJA Volta Regional Chairman Dr. Harrison Belley noted Ghana’s rise to 39th globally and 4th in Africa on the World Press Freedom Index, saying “In Ghana, press freedom is deeply rooted in its democratic journey” and warning that “When journalists are constrained, public access to information is constrained”. He added that there is no room for complacency as journalists are still attacked and threatened.
Keynote speaker Dr. David Normanyo called for a localized Ghana Peace Index, urging journalists to choose words that deescalate tension: “By embracing peace journalism, you protect the very development you report on”.
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Source: Stella Sunu
