The United Press for Development Network (UPDN) has made a strong case for press freedom on the occasion of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists.
This day serves as a poignant reminder of the critical role journalists play in nurturing democracy, promoting transparency, and safeguarding human rights.
According to UPDN, it stands in unwavering solidarity with journalists, media organizations, and press freedom advocates worldwide.
Ghana, a nation with a rich history of upholding democratic values and free expression, has lately witnessed troubling developments in its media and journalism landscape.
This UPDN has expressed deep concern over in the area of the declining state of press freedom in Ghana, as well as the broader ramifications of military takeovers in Africa on the media environment.
Find the full statement below:
International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists
Accra, Ghana – On this International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, the United Press for Development Network (UPDN) stands in solidarity with journalists, media organizations, and advocates for press freedom worldwide. It is a day to remind us all of the critical importance of preserving and protecting the vital role journalists play in fostering democracy, ensuring transparency, and upholding human rights.
Ghana, a nation with a long-standing commitment to democratic values and free expression, has recently witnessed concerning trends in its media and journalism landscape. We express our deep concern about the deteriorating state of press freedom in Ghana, as well as the broader consequences of military takeovers in Africa on the media environment.
The African continent has faced significant challenges related to military interventions, which often lead to a suppression of democratic values and human rights. These takeovers have severe consequences for journalism and media, including:
Censorship and Repression:
Military takeovers often result in censorship, harassment, and intimidation of journalists. They are forced to self-censor to avoid persecution, which restricts the flow of information and stifles public discourse.
Violence Against Journalists:
Journalists often become targets of violence, with several cases of assault and even murder in the aftermath of military coups. These acts go unpunished, perpetuating a culture of impunity.
Media Shutdowns:
Military regimes frequently impose curfews and shut down media outlets, limiting the public’s access to information, particularly in critical times.
Exile and Self-Censorship:
Many journalists are forced into exile due to threats, and those who remain often engage in self-censorship to protect themselves, leading to a lack of critical reporting.
We call upon the Ghanaian government to take immediate and meaningful actions to address the deteriorating state of press freedom.
Specifically, we urge:
Inspector General of Police Dr. George A. Dampare to ensure the safety and protection of journalists, investigate acts of violence against them, and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Information Minister Hon. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah to uphold the principles of freedom of the press and support an environment in which journalists can work without fear of harassment or censorship.
Interior Minister and National Security to actively engage in preserving democratic values, ensuring a safe environment for media professionals, and taking measures to prevent any future military interventions.
UPDN emphasizes the crucial role of a free press in fostering accountability, transparency, and democratic values. It is essential that Ghana, as a beacon of democracy in Africa, safeguards its media and journalism space against the erosive forces of impunity and military takeovers.
On this International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, we stand together with journalists and media practitioners in Ghana and across Africa in the pursuit of a free, safe, and vibrant media landscape.
About UPDN:
The United Press for Development Network (UPDN) is a global organization committed to promoting sustainable development, unity, and progress. Through our network of journalists, thought leaders, and advocates, we strive to address pressing global challenges and highlight the positive initiatives that contribute to a better world.
