UNESCO's Representative to Ghana has stressed that an independent and free press represents a foundational requirement for building strong nations, rather than merely an optional feature of democratic systems. Speaking during the Ghana Journalists Association's 77th anniversary symposium in the capital this week, Edmond Moukala emphasized the critical role that media institutions have played in advancing Ghana's democratic development and institutional stability across generations.
Moukala highlighted the historical significance of journalism in Ghana's trajectory from colonial rule to independent statehood and beyond. Throughout these transformative periods, journalists worked to amplify the voices and aspirations of ordinary citizens who sought self-determination and a say in their nation's governance. The founding generation of Ghana's press recognized instinctively what remains true today: that a media sector operating free from state control and external interference represents essential infrastructure for any functioning society.
The UNESCO representative pointed to Ghana's standing among Africa's more stable and resilient democracies as evidence of the media's sustained contributions. Over decades, journalists and news organizations have performed multiple critical functions that strengthen democratic institutions. These include scrutinizing electoral processes to ensure their integrity, creating spaces where citizens can engage in substantive public debates about national issues, investigating and exposing instances of official corruption and misconduct, and ensuring that the concerns of ordinary people reach decision-makers in government and other positions of power.
Beyond these specific functions, Moukala credited the media with transforming accountability from an abstract ideal into a tangible reality within Ghana's public life. By subjecting institutions and public officials to rigorous examination and reporting, journalists have effectively created consequences for poor governance and ethical breaches. This watchdog role has proven instrumental in maintaining public confidence in democratic systems and preventing the concentration of unchecked authority.
At the same time, Moukala acknowledged that the journalism profession faces a consequential moment as it confronts the opportunities and obstacles presented by digital transformation. While celebrating the achievements of past and present media practitioners, he called for the sector to undertake frank self-assessment about its readiness to serve society effectively in an environment defined by rapid technological change, new distribution platforms, and evolving audience expectations.
The representative urged journalists and media institutions to chart a path forward that honors the foundational commitments established by their predecessors while simultaneously embracing innovative strategies and tools suited to contemporary conditions. Specifically, he called on the profession to remain steadfast in its dedication to press freedom—protection from government censorship and interference—while maintaining rigorous standards of accountability in its own work and continuing to prioritize service to the public interest above all other considerations.
As Ghana's media landscape continues to evolve, Moukala's remarks underscored that the essential purpose of journalism remains unchanged: to empower citizens with information and platforms necessary for informed self-governance. The challenge ahead lies in preserving and strengthening that mission while navigating the digital era's complexities.
Source: MyJoyOnline | Published: Wed, 19 Aug 2026 16:55:50
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