The Minority Leader in Parliament, Cassiel Ato Forson, has raised concerns about the freedom of journalists leading up to this year’s general elections.
In his address during the debate on the State of the Nation Address (SONA) in Parliament on Monday, Ato Forson expressed deep concern about what he perceives as the harshest crackdown on the media in the Fourth Republic.
He highlighted ongoing state-sponsored attacks on journalists and raids on media houses, emphasizing the pressing need to address these issues.
“The media has come under the worst crackdown in the Fourth Republic, as state-sponsored attacks on journalists and raids on media houses continue.”
Referring to the recent Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders, the Minority Leader underscored the alarming decline in press freedom in the nation under President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s leadership.
Ato Forson pointed out that Ghana, which ranked 2nd in Africa and 26th globally on the Press Freedom Index in 2016, has now slipped to the 9th position in Africa and 62nd globally in 2023.
“While Ghana ranked 2nd in Africa and 26th in the world on the Press Freedom Index in 2016, our dear country now ranks 9th in Africa and 62nd in the world in 2023. As we approach the 2024 general elections, the safety of journalists remains a major concern,” he said.
Explore the world of impactful news with CitiNewsroom on WhatsApp!
Click on the link to join the Citi Newsroom channel for curated, meaningful stories tailored just for YOU: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCYzPRAYlUPudDDe53x
No spams, just the stories that truly matter! #StayInformed #CitiNewsroom #CNRDigital