Dr Christian Rogg, the British High Commissioner to Ghana, says a free, independent and pluralistic media has now become “more important than ever” in safeguarding democracy and countering misinformation and disinformation.
He said press freedom was critical to maintaining peace and strengthening democratic resilience amid growing global threats to democracy, civic space and information integrity.
Dr Rogg said this at an event organised by the British High Commission, in collaboration with the Netherlands Embassy, in Accra on Wednesday to mark the 2026 World Press Freedom Day.
The event, held on the theme: “Defending Truth in a Digital Age: Journalism, Information Integrity and Democratic Resilience in Ghana and the Region,” aligned with UNESCO’s global focus on “Shaping a Future at Peace.”
The World Press Freedom Day, observed annually on May 3, highlights the importance of press freedom, media independence and the safety of journalists worldwide.
“Independent journalism strengthens information integrity. It acts as a vital counterweight to disinformation and propaganda,” Dr Rogg said.
He noted that while digital technologies had transformed how information was produced and shared, they had also fuelled misinformation, disinformation and growing threats against journalists.
Dr Rogg cited the spread of false information during the COVID-19 pandemic and disinformation campaigns in Africa as examples of how manipulated information could undermine trust, inflame tensions, and weaken democratic institutions.
He said Ghana’s recent rise on the World Press Freedom Index was a source of pride.
Ghana moved 13 places up on the 2025 World Press Freedom Index from 52nd in 2024 to 39th globally, making it the fourth freest media environment in Africa, according to Reporters Without Borders.
Mr Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Minister of Government Communications, reaffirmed government’s commitment to protecting journalists and media pluralism.
“A government that fears questions has already lost its confidence,” he said, describing journalism as an ally of good governance and accountability.
He, however, urged journalists to uphold ethics, accuracy and fairness, warning that sensationalism, unverified allegations and hate speech could undermine public trust and national cohesion.
“Press freedom does come with press responsibility,” he added.
Mr Jeroen Verheul, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Ghana, said although countries such as the Netherlands ranked highly on global press freedom indices, there was always room for improvement.
He expressed concern over threats against investigative journalists, including unresolved attacks on media practitioners such as the murder of Ghanaian investigative journalist Ahmed Hussein-Suale.
During a panel discussion, journalists and media practitioners warned that generative artificial intelligence was increasingly blurring the line between factual and false information.
They called for continuous training for media professionals to adapt to the evolving digital landscape while maintaining strict journalistic standards.
GNA
