President John Dramani Mahama has marked World Press Freedom Day with a strong message to the Ghanaian media, underscoring the critical need for a press that is both free and responsible in fostering national development and deepening democracy.

In a Facebook post to commemorate the day, Mr. Mahama saluted the contribution of journalists to Ghana’s democratic journey and urged the media to uphold truth, accuracy, and ethics in their work.

"Happy World Press Freedom Day to all Ghanaian journalists and others across the world. As president of the republic, I join the people of Ghana in celebrating the vital role played by the Ghanaian media in stabilising our democracy. From holding our leadership accountable to amplifying the voices of our citizens, your work is indispensable."

"I commend the dedication and resilience of our journalists and media professionals. Continue to uphold the highest standards of journalistic integrity, fostering informed public discourse, and contributing to a stronger, more vibrant Ghana."

"Let's work together to enhance our democracy through truth, accuracy, and ethical reporting, ensuring a free and responsible press that empowers citizens and strengthens our nation."

President Mahama reaffirmed his party’s support for press freedom and hinted at ongoing government efforts to enhance the media space.

"As my Minister for Government Communications stated on Friday at the GJA Honours Night, the government will continue to work towards a free and thriving media space in Ghana," he added.

His message came as the Minister in Charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, represented the government at the 2025 World Press Freedom Day event organised by the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) at the Alisa Hotel in Accra.

In his keynote address, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu assured stakeholders of the government's firm resolve to protect media practitioners. He stressed that safeguarding journalists is not a favour but a constitutional imperative.

“The protection of journalists is not optional, but rather a sacred constitutional duty,” he declared, reflecting on the event’s theme, “Reporting in the Brave New World – The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media.”

The minister revisited the country’s dip in press freedom rankings in recent years, pointing specifically to the slump to 60th position globally in 2022. He attributed the decline to a string of concerning events, including attacks on journalists and the shutdown of some media outlets.

“These incidents were deeply regrettable,” he said. “And must serve as a reminder that the protection of journalists is not optional, but rather a sacred constitutional duty.”

Mr. Kwakye Ofosu also addressed the evolving threats facing journalism today. He said that while censorship remains a concern, disinformation has become an equally dangerous force, especially in the digital era.

“The threat is no longer just censorship, but also disinformation—deliberate, well-orchestrated, and increasingly intricate,” he warned. “What begins as a meme or a voice note in a WhatsApp group can spiral into violence.”

Turning to the role of artificial intelligence in journalism, he acknowledged the possibilities AI presents in improving news production but also warned of the potential pitfalls.

“AI has no friends, no enemies, and no fear—unless it is trained to have them,” he noted. “Without a journalist anchored in fairness, credibility, and ethical judgment, AI risks becoming a force that undermines the very freedoms it could support.”

He urged journalists and media outlets not to sacrifice depth for speed in a technology-driven era. “The faster we move, the easier it becomes to overlook scrutiny, accountability, nuance, and context. When speed overtakes deliberation, the risk is not just error. It is abuse.”