African Media Barometer Ghana

Since the 2012 elections in Ghana, the public is increasingly scrutinising the media to demand more accountability and fairness. Whilst freedoms of expression and press have significantly improved since the days of military rule, significant restraints remain.

Law enforcement agents for example are restricting free speech by taking advantage of a provision in the penal law that criminalises speech, promoting fear. Similarly, despite increasing levels of advocacy and awareness, the Right to Information Bill or the necessary Broadcasting Act have yet to be passed. Other limitations to freedom of expression include sexism, the excessive deference to people in authority and elders and excessive political polarisation of the media landscape. Additionally, high newspaper costs are limiting news accessibility, whilst public trust in the media is waning owing to poor professional standards in many media outlets.

Conversely, important positive developments include the improvement in the affordability and availability of internet, promising improvements in the constellation of the broadcasting commission and a strong representation of women in the newsroom. Further, the development of a diverse media sector is promoted by unrestricted internet content, a strong constitutional framework and the independent National Media Council. To further extend these positive developments, the Ghanaian media sector must now address corruption issues and low salary levels, improve ethical enforcement codes as well as further extending the Media Development Fund.