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GJA celebrates Ghana’s rise in global press freedom rankings
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The Ghana Journalists Association ( GJA) has praised Ghana’s improved performance in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index as the country marked this year’s World Press Freedom Day.
In a statement issued on May 3, the Association said Ghana moved from 52nd to 39th position globally and ranked 4th in Africa in the latest index published by Reporters Without Borders.
The GJA described the achievement as a reflection of improvements across key indicators used in assessing press freedom around the world.
This year’s World Press Freedom Day was observed under the theme “Shaping a Future at Peace.”
The Association commended journalists, editors, media owners, civil society organisations, regulators and development partners for their efforts in promoting press freedom and responsible journalism in the country.
According to the GJA, the progress recorded demonstrates the impact of sustained advocacy and cooperation among stakeholders in Ghana’s media landscape.
The Association also praised the government and international partners for supporting efforts aimed at protecting media freedom and improving conditions for journalists.
It particularly commended President John Dramani Mahama, whom it described as a proud member of the Association, for his role in supporting improvements in Ghana’s press freedom ranking.
Despite the gains, the GJA said more work remains to be done to address issues such as journalist safety, media sustainability and legal reforms.
The Association called on the Government of Ghana and the Ghana Police Service to ensure that attacks against journalists are properly investigated and perpetrators punished.
It urged authorities to review laws, including parts of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008, which it said are sometimes used to intimidate journalists.
GJA President Albert Dwumfour reaffirmed the Association’s commitment to defending press freedom and promoting professionalism within the media.
“We will continue to speak truth to power, challenge injustices and hold duty-bearers accountable without fear or favour,” he stated.
The Association announced that it will organise a national event later this month to commemorate World Press Freedom Day and honour individuals and institutions that have contributed to media development in Ghana.
Meanwhile, Mr. Dwumfour is leading a delegation to Paris to participate in the centenary congress of the International Federation of Journalists from May 4 to May 7, 2026.
The congress is expected to bring together more than 300 journalists’ unions and associations from around the world to discuss issues affecting the future of journalism, including artificial intelligence, safety, youth participation, gender equality and media sustainability.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Parliament has clarified public commentary on social media regarding a notice on its notice board that read “No Vacancy for National Service Personnel 2026/2027. Kindly go for reposting.”
In a statement, signed by the Director of Media Relations, David Sebastian Damoah, Parliament said the notice has been misconstrued and was not a policy statement, a freeze on national service placements, or a change in its support for the National Service Scheme.
According to Parliament, the notice was a routine administrative message to prospective personnel who reported to the House, informing them that it has received more personnel than it can accommodate for the 2026/2027 service year and that they should seek reposting to other institutions.
It said it remains committed to the National Service Scheme and values the contribution of service personnel to its work, and regrets any confusion or inconvenience the wording may have caused.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Ghanaian public advocate Hopeson Yaovi Adorye has been elected to the Board of Directors of the World Taxpayers Association (WTA).
The election took place on Sunday, October 5, 2026, during the Association’s conference in Kraków, Poland.
His election marks a significant addition to his international leadership portfolio and provides a platform for Ghanaian and African perspectives to contribute to global discussions on taxpayer rights, responsible taxation, transparency and prudent management of public resources.
Reacting to his election, Mr. Adorye expressed appreciation to the leadership and members of the WTA for the confidence reposed in him.
“I am deeply honoured by this confidence and conscious of the responsibility that comes with it. Taxpayers are at the heart of every economy, and they deserve fairness, transparency, accountability and value for the taxes they pay. I look forward to working with colleagues from across the world to strengthen the voice of taxpayers and promote responsible fiscal governance,” he said.
According to him, taxation should not be viewed solely as a mechanism for raising government revenue, but also as an important component of the social contract between citizens and the state.
Mr. Adorye said governments have a responsibility to ensure taxes are collected fairly and public resources are utilised efficiently to deliver quality infrastructure, healthcare, education, security and other essential services.
His election also creates an opportunity to bring African experiences into international conversations on taxation and public expenditure.
Mr. Adorye, who is Executive Director of Taxpayers League Ghana, has previously served as Global Board Chairman of the International Youth Network for UN Security Council Resolution 2250, an NGO associated with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
He is expected to use his new role to champion fiscal accountability, taxpayer education, good governance and stronger citizen participation in public financial management.
