The government has called for stricter adherence to professional standards in journalism, warning that the spread of misinformation and disinformation poses a growing threat to national stability and democratic governance.
Speaking on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama at the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) World Press Freedom Day 2026 Honours Night in Accra, the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, said while press freedom remains fully protected, it must be exercised responsibly.
He cautioned that the rapid spread of unverified information, especially on digital and social media platforms, has blurred the line between journalism and propaganda, with potential consequences for public safety and national cohesion.
“In the age of social media and algorithmic amplification, the line between journalism and misinformation has never been thinner. A false report can ignite communal tensions. Fabricated statistics can undermine public health campaigns.
“Let us be honest with ourselves: not everything published or broadcast in Ghana today is journalism. Some of what circulates on our airwaves and digital platforms is deliberate falsehood, designed to inflame rather than inform,” he stated.
He added that while press freedom is a constitutional right, it does not exempt media practitioners and content creators from accountability, especially where national security and public order are at risk.
“Press freedom does not mean freedom from accountability. It does not shield those who masquerade as journalists to advance agendas of destruction,” he said.
Samuel Nartey George further urged the Ghana Journalists Association and media organisations to strengthen internal regulatory systems, including fact-checking mechanisms, editorial oversight, and adherence to professional codes of ethics.
He noted that maintaining credibility is critical to sustaining Ghana’s reputation as one of Africa’s stronger media environments, adding that the country’s progress in global press freedom rankings must be protected.
The Minister also highlighted the role of regulatory frameworks, insisting they are not intended to suppress journalism but to ensure order, accuracy, and responsibility in public communication.
According to him, government remains committed to engaging the media in constructive dialogue while safeguarding the public against harmful and misleading content in the digital space.
The call comes amid growing concerns about the impact of misinformation on public discourse, particularly on social media platforms where unverified reports often circulate rapidly without editorial checks.
The GJA Honours Night brought together journalists, media executives, and government officials to mark World Press Freedom Day and celebrate journalists for their contribution to Ghana’s democratic development.
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