President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Dwumfour, has cautioned against complacency following Ghana’s rise to 39th out of 180 countries in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index.

He said the improved ranking should not overshadow persistent challenges facing journalists, including safety concerns, economic insecurity, threats to media independence and the need for professional development.

Speaking at the 30th GJA Media Awards in Accra, Mr Dwumfour said Ghana had moved up from 52nd in 2025 and 62nd in 2023, placing fourth in Africa, according to the latest index published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

He attributed the improvement to sustained advocacy, institutional commitment and engagement among stakeholders.

“This improvement reflects the importance of sustained advocacy, institutional commitment, and engagement among stakeholders,” he said.

Mr Dwumfour stressed that Ghana’s international ranking should not be the only measure of progress in protecting media freedom.

“The true measure of press freedom is not merely where a country ranks internationally, but whether journalists can investigate corruption, question public officials, report on security operations, and hold powerful institutions accountable without intimidation or fear,” he said.

He urged stakeholders to consolidate the gains while addressing the challenges that continue to affect journalists and media organisations.

“Our responsibility is to consolidate the gains and address persistent challenges including journalist safety, economic insecurity, media independence, and professional development,” he added.

Mr Dwumfour expressed hope that Ghana would improve its position in the next edition of the index, with the ambition of placing among the top three countries.

“Our ambition must be to make Ghana a leading example of press freedom and democratic expression in Africa. We are praying that come next year we will improve on our position and take our ranking position between first and third, God willing,” he said.

The World Press Freedom Index is published annually by Reporters Without Borders and assesses the state of press freedom in 180 countries and territories.

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GJA President warns against complacency despite Ghana’s improved press freedom ranking

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