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Ghana's Communication Minister defends press freedom while warning against deliberate falsehoods
via GhanaWeb3 min read
Samuel Nartey George, Ghana's Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, affirmed the Mahama administration's commitment to protecting press freedom but cautioned against the deliberate spread of false information. Speaking at the 2nd Ghana Journalists Association GJA World Press Freedom Day Honours Night, the minister, representing President John Dramani Mahama, stated that fake news and coordinated disinformation threaten national stability and public trust. He clarified that the government does not intend to silence critical voices or investigative reporting, acknowledging that democratic leadership must accommodate scrutiny. However, he warned that the state would address individuals and platforms intentionally disseminating fabricated stories that could cause panic, division, and confusion. George rejected the notion that regulating misinformation constitutes censorship, arguing that regulatory frameworks are instruments of order necessary for any democracy. He highlighted that no journalist has been exiled, arbitrarily detained, or had a media house shut down under the current government for exposing wrongdoing, indicating President Mahama views criticism as integral to democratic governance. The minister also noted Ghana's improvement from 52nd to 39th in the Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index, attributing this partly to expanded digital infrastructure and internet access. He emphasized the importance of protecting and promoting di
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