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GJA honours outstanding journalists on Press Freedom Day
The 2025 World Press Freedom Day and Honours Night was held in Accra, with the aim of highlighting the growing threats to media independence, including disinformation and unethical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The event also honoured outstanding journalists for their contribution to press freedom and development.
Held under the theme ‘Reporting in the Brave New World: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media’, the event brought together government officials, journalists, civil society actors, and media veterans to reflect on the evolving media landscape in Ghana and across the globe.
Addressing the gathering on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, the Minister in Charge of Government Communications, Mr Felix Kwakye Ofosu, said press freedom was not a privilege granted by government but a constitutional right that must be protected from political cycles and corporate influence.
President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Mr Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, expressed deep concern over the increasing number of attacks on journalists, revealing that 11 assault cases were recorded in February 2025 alone.
He also noted Ghana’s drop in the World Press Freedom Index from 50th in 2024 to 52nd in 2025, with a worrying decline in the country’s media security score. While acknowledging AI’s potential to improve newsroom productivity, he cautioned against its misuse.
The event also recognised media legends for their exceptional service, including Ambassador Kabral Blay-Amihere, Ms Ajoa Yeboah-Afari, Mrs Gifty Afenyi-Dadzie, Dr Charles Wereko-Brobby, Mr Kwesi Pratt Jnr., Mr Ben Ephson, and Madam Elizabeth Ohene.
Edward Adetsi was awarded the 28th GJA PAV Ansah Journalist of the Year. The event brought together media professionals, diplomats, legislators, students, and members of civil society.
By Stephanie Birikorang
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Speaker of Parliament inaugurates open Parliament Steering Committee, launches action plan
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has launched the Open Parliament Steering Committee and the Open Parliament Action Plan.
The ceremony was under the theme “Achieving Gender Equality: Action by Action.”
The Speaker highlighted the critical role Parliament plays in translating the will of the people into inclusive legislation, responsive policies, and accountable governance.
“The International Day of Parliamentarianism is worth celebrating, as it offers an opportunity not only to recognise and promote achievements in strengthening democratic governance, but also to pause and reflect on the remaining gaps in institutionalising parliamentary democracy,” he said.
He noted that the event was scheduled to coincide with the International Day of Parliamentarianism to reinforce the importance of open and inclusive governance.
The Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, stated that the International Day of Parliamentarianism is intended to recognise the vital role Parliaments play globally as pillars of democratic governance.
He noted that this marks the first time Ghana is formally observing the day.
“The gravity of our observance is further accentuated as we convene to witness the launch of the Open Parliament Action Plan by the Open Government Partnership Caucus,” he said.
Delivering a statement on behalf of the Minority Leader, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, the Deputy Minority Leader, Patricia Appiagyei, described the Open Parliament Action Plan as a transformative initiative aimed at strengthening the relationship between Parliament and the public.
She said the plan represents a bold commitment to making Parliament more transparent, accessible, and responsive to the needs of Ghanaians.
The Clerk to Parliament, Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, described the launch as a key milestone in the effort to build a citizen-focused and accountable Parliament.
He added that the International Day of Parliamentarianism is a call to action to recommit to the highest standards of public service and democratic accountability.
The inauguration was attended by a wide range of stakeholders, including the Majority and Minority Members of Parliament, members of the Open Parliament Steering Committee, the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Caucus, Parliamentary Network Africa, representatives from civil society organisations, members of the diplomatic corps, traditional and religious leaders, student bodies, the Parliamentary Press Corps, and other media partners.
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NACOC declares drug menace a national emergency
The Parliamentary Committee on Defence and Interior has paid a working visit to the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) to engage with its leadership and assess operational challenges hampering the fight against illicit drugs.
In a detailed presentation, Dr. Basha Ligbi, Head of the Commission’s Research Bureau, highlighted critical setbacks including broken body scanners at airport terminals, inadequate office infrastructure, overcrowded detention facilities, and deteriorating vehicles.
He also called for the Commission’s headquarters to be reclassified as a security zone, citing growing security risks due to private encroachment and nearby high-rise developments.
Director General of NACOC, Brigadier General Maxwell Obiba Mantey, described the escalating drug trade as a national emergency, warning that drug barons now rival armed robbers in threat level and are gaining influence at the highest levels.
He appealed for stronger institutional support and morale-boosting interventions to preserve the integrity of NACOC officers.
Chairman of the Committee and MP for Builsa North, James Agalga, assured the Commission of the Committee’s commitment to escalate the concerns to Parliament and engage key justice sector stakeholders to fast-track reforms in support of NACOC’s mandate.
