Research shows press freedom improves

Accra, May 9, GNA - There has been an impressive improvement in the area of press freedom and freedom of expression in the country since the presidential election in 2000, a research finding has revealed. The report released in Accra on Tuesday also rated the performance of the Ghanaian media as "very good", representing 64 per cent. The study, carried out under the Africa Media Barometer Project, with sponsorship by the Friedrich Ebert Foundation was undertaken in most African countries as the first in-depth and comprehensive description and measurement system for national media environments on the continent.

A panel of experts formed in each country, including representatives of media and civil society, undertook the study with the aim of determining the state of the media in selected countries, comparing the media in those countries and to improve on freedom of the expression and media rights for the select countries.

Mr Kwaku Rockson, Acting Director of the Ghana Institute of Journalism, who was a member of the panel, presented the report on behalf of the Media Foundation for West Africa. He said the report looked at whether freedom of expression and the media were effectively protected and promoted, or whether the media landscape was characterized by diversity, independence and sustainability.

The broadcasting regulation was also assessed for transparency and independence, especially whether the state broadcaster was transformed into a truly public broadcaster, whereas the media was assessed as to whether it practiced high levels of professional standards. Professor Kwame Kakari, Executive Director of the Media Foundation for West Africa, also a member of the panel, described the study as a serious exercise that would help keep the media on its toes and avoid being complacent.

He said the findings should be taken seriously and dissected by media practitioners and organizations so that the necessary actions were taken to maintain a free and responsible media environment.