Ghana has been ranked first in Africa in 2009 by Reporteur Sans Frontiers (RSF) and 27th in the world, as a country where press freedom is upheld, with journalists going about their duties without any hindrance from the government, says John Tia Akologu, Minister of Information.

The minister also gave an assurance that, President Mills’ administration is fully committed to passing the Freedom of Information law, because the constitution of Ghana guarantees the people, freedom of information.

Mr Tia Akologu was delivering a keynote address yesterday at a symposium and flag-raising ceremony in Accra to mark the World Press Freedom Day celebration. It was under the theme ‘Freedom of information: The right to know.’

“President Mills administration is convinced that a good right to Information Law will be a critical tool that enhances media professionalism and ethical journalism. That, ultimately, will strengthen the role of the media in promoting transparency and accountability,” he said.

He said Ghanaians must be proud that, today, our country is a popular case study for major media organizations such as Reporteur Sans Frontiers and the developing world in particular, on how accountability and transparency could be enhanced by improving the legal regime and accommodating press freedom.

The minister said the World Press Freedom Day, sought to remind governments, inter-governmental and non-governmental organizations as well as civil society of the crucial role a free press plays in strengthening democracy and fostering development around the world, adding that, it serves as a reminder to both government and the governed of the need to respect their commitment to press freedom.

He reminded all that it was imperative to reflect on the past, present, and future trends of the journalism profession. “We can recall that, several members in the media fraternity have suffered from various degrees of attacks which ended even in their deaths all over the world,” he said.

He affirmed that, when the “Right to Information Bill is passed into law, it would inspire media practitioners to qualitative journalism and spur the media in Ghana to even greater heights that promote truth, good governance, freedom, justice, peace, and democracy.

“It is only when people are well informed that they can engage in effective monitoring and assessment of their leaders’ performance, as well as for their meaningful engagement in public debate and decision making processes that impact their lives,” he said.

The chairman of the National Media Commission (NMC), Mr Kabral Blay-Amihere, who chaired the function, said Ghana could lose her number one position as a press freedom country if the high standards set for ourselves were not maintained.

He said the public is concerned about the publication of pornographic materials by some newspapers and urged them to put a stop to it. Mr Blay-Amihere pledged the NMC’s commitment to protect journalists from governmental interferences, but cautioned them also to perform their duties in a more professional manner.

He said if they do this, they would naturally be recognized by the world’s leading figures like President Obama did for Anas Aremeyaw Anas, the Crusading Guide’s investigative journalist.

Mr. Blay-Amihere also cautioned journalists not to be the footnotes in the ambitions of politicians, who might only use them to foment trouble and polarize the nation.

Dr. J. Kamil, acting UN Resident Co-ordinator in a remark, said it was unfortunate that some journalists risk losing their life because of what they say or write.

Solidarity messages were read from the Private Newspapers Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG); Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA); Network of Community Radio Stations; Institute of Public Relations; and the Coalition on Right to Information.