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GJA celebrates Ghana’s rise in global press freedom rankings
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
Muslims across the country celebrated this year’s Eid-ul-Adha in a colourful and spiritually uplifting atmosphere under the theme, “A Season of Sacrifice, Solidarity and Spiritual Renewal.”
The celebration brought together Muslims from diverse backgrounds in a remarkable display of faith, unity and cultural heritage.
The occasion was marked by special Eid prayers at various designated grounds, the slaughtering of rams in homes for sharing among family members, friends and the less privileged, as well as musical concerts and recreational activities including horse riding.
Leading the celebration was the Chief Imam, Dr Sheikh Osman Sharubutu.
While the national celebration was held at the Black Star Square where President John Dramani Mahama was the Special Guest of Honour, similar gatherings took place at different centres across the capital and other regions of the country.
A visit by The Spectator to some celebration grounds revealed Muslims, both young and old, elegantly dressed in colourful jalabiya and other Islamic attire, reflecting the rich culture and traditions of the Muslim community.
The celebration also portrayed the spirit of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence in the country, as a number of Christians joined their Muslim counterparts to mark the occasion.
Muslim leaders and government officials used the opportunity to call on the faithful to uphold the teachings of the Holy Quran, renew their spiritual commitment and refrain from acts capable of undermining the peace, unity and security of the nation.
They further urged Ghanaians to continue to live in harmony and support one another for national development.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
Dear Obaa Yaa,
During Eid-ul- Adha celebration, I decided to spend the weekend at my boyfriend’s place since we were planning towards our marriage.
To my surprise, what keeps me wide awake, restless and frustrated every single time is that he snores loudly like a generator running on full power, and I genuinely cannot get any rest
At a point, I thought it was just a normal thing, but I have realised it is something he does with ease and doesn’t see anything wrong with it.
When he steps out in the morning, I try to get enough sleep because I may not sleep in the evening.
The most annoying thing is that, he always wants to cuddle me. These two things are a no for me and a red flag.
We are about to get married, what should I do?
Enam, Keta.
Dear Enam,
The snoring and constant cuddling are frustrating, but you don’t have to choose between sleep and closeness.
Start with the snoring: check if it’s worse when he sleeps on his back, cut out alcohol before bed, try nasal strips or a humidifier, and see a doctor if he pauses while breathing.
For quick relief, foam earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones help a lot.
Separate blankets, a bigger bed, or sleeping apart on some nights often makes couples rest well and feel closer overall.
Bring this up before the wedding .Tell him you want to wake up next to him for years to come, but sleep deprivation makes you both miserable.
Test earplugs and side-sleeping this weekend, and if it’s still unbearable, bring in a doctor. Good sleep matters more for your marriage than staying glued together all night.
