Ghana is a poster child of the consolidation of liberal democracy in Africa, the signal evidence of which is the freedom of the Ghanaian media as the fourth estate of the realm. Ghana’s media landscape is indeed a testament to the country’s transition towards liberal democracy, with the media acting as a watchdog over government actions and ensuring transparency.
The consolidation of liberal democracy in Ghana is reflected in the freedom of the media, which has evolved to include a diversity of platforms, from traditional print media to online news sources. This evolution has allowed for a more robust and competitive media environment, where various outlets can freely report on government actions, social issues, and other matters of public interest.
The study, titled “Consolidating Inter-Media Agenda-Setting Research in Ghana: A Study of Associational Relationships Among Wire, Online, and Print News Media” underscores the importance of media diversity and inter-media relationships in shaping public agendas in Ghana.
It highlights the role of media in consolidating democracy by ensuring that the public is well-informed and can hold their leaders accountable. This study further emphasizes the significance of the media’s role in a democratic society, where a free and vibrant media is essential for the healthy functioning of a democracy.
The evolution of the media in Ghana over its 67 years of independence has been marked by significant changes aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability.
This evolution began with the state’s control over the media, including radio and television, which were liberalized in 1996. The introduction of private print media in 1992, following the enforcement of the current constitution, marked a significant shift towards a more diverse media landscape.
The media landscape in Ghana has witnessed dramatic growth over the past three decades. The number of radio stations increased from one in 1993 to 513 by the end of 2022, and the number of TV stations grew from just GTV to 117 stations during the same period.
Additionally, the print media sector has seen a significant increase in the number of newspapers and magazines since 1993. The online media space has also expanded rapidly, with the number of internet users in Ghana growing from 30,000 in 2000 to 16.9 million by June 2022.
This growth has been facilitated by the accessibility of the internet and mobile phones, leading to the emergence of technology-driven media outlets, news websites, blogs, and applications for news sharing.
The repeal of criminal and seditious libel laws in 2001 and the passage of the Right to Information Act in 2019 further boosted the media sector by providing legal protections and encouraging the free flow of information.
The diversification and expansion of the media landscape have created a more vibrant and competitive environment, fostering a culture of independence and professionalism.
This diversity allows for a wide range of perspectives to be represented, contributing to a more informed and engaged public.
Social media platforms have also played a crucial role in enabling citizen journalism, providing an avenue for individuals to contribute news and commentary, thus enhancing the media’s role in holding governments accountable.
Media Under Threat
However, recent developments in the media landscape of the country, such as sustained death threats, assaults, use of unwarranted brute force, suspicions, and murder of journalists seem to mar the democratic image of Ghana.
These incidents have raised concerns about the erosion of freedom and independence of the media in Ghana, a situation that is worrying enough to ignite a debate on whether the dark days of the culture of silence are returning to the country under democratic governance.
Again, the media landscape in Ghana faces issues of non-transparent allocation of broadcast frequencies and a lack of an effective media regulatory mechanism.
These challenges have led to a culture of fear and self-censorship among journalists, undermining the media’s role in upholding the principles of transparency and accountability.
The absence of a comprehensive legal framework for the media sector and the under-resourced National Media Commission (NMC) have also hindered the establishment and maintenance of high journalistic standards.
In conclusion, the media in Ghana has evolved significantly over time, moving from state control to a more diverse and vibrant media landscape. However, challenges remain, and addressing these challenges is crucial for ensuring the media’s role in promoting transparency and accountability in the governance of Ghana.
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