Shamima Muslim, a media practitioner, and NDC Campaign Communicator has emphasized that the NDC is committed to restoring press freedom, urging the media to vote for the NDC during this election.
She highlighted that under President John Dramani Mahama’s leadership, media practitioners enjoyed greater access and freedoms, with regular press briefings and open communication from the presidency promoting transparency.
In contrast, Muslim criticized the Nana-Bawumia administration for shutting out local media, focusing instead on international platforms and disregarding local requests.
“This unaccountable approach signals their disregard for transparency and press engagement, underscoring the need for change.
“Today, as you cast your vote, remember the pivotal role we play in upholding democracy. We are witnesses to the events shaping our nation, and perhaps no group understands these challenges more intimately than us”.
Shamima Muslim
Muslim further emphasized the growing erosion of safety and trust in journalism in Ghana, noting that the country’s press freedom has seen a significant decline.
She pointed to the Afrobarometer Round 9 survey, which revealed an alarming increase in authoritarian tendencies under the current administration.
This shift, the NDC stalwart noted, has contributed to an environment where journalists face increasing risks and challenges in their work, undermining public confidence in the media.
According to her, the decline in press freedom reflects broader concerns about the shrinking space for independent journalism and the growing control over information in the country.
Muslim stated that Ghana recently experienced its lowest ranking on the Press Freedom Index in 18 years.
Between 2019 and 2023, the Media Foundation for West Africa documented 79 incidents of violations against journalists, setting a troubling precedent in the country’s Fourth Republic.
She noted that this alarming trend underscores the growing challenges faced by media professionals, raising concerns about the state of press freedom and the protection of journalistic rights in the country.
According to Muslim, the increasing attacks on journalists and the restrictions on press freedom highlight the urgent need for reforms to safeguard the rights of the media.
Press Hostility By Gov’t Highlighted
Furthermore, Shamima Muslim pointed out that high-profile cases, such as the unsolved murder of Ahmed Suale and the attacks on investigative journalists like Anas Aremeyaw Anas and Manasseh Azure Awuni, underscore the growing hostility faced by the press.
She noted that self-censorship is becoming more prevalent, as many journalists fear criminal charges that echo the repressive days of criminalized speech.
According to her, this climate of fear is stifling free expression and hindering the ability of journalists to carry out their work without facing threats or intimidation.
“The collapsing economy has left journalists in financial distress, with delayed salaries, mounting debts, and struggles to make ends meet. Media houses face discrimination in accessing state resources, reflecting the broader economic mismanagement that has affected all Ghanaians”.
Shamima Muslim
Muslim further asserted that journalists must vote for change, emphasizing that this election presents an opportunity for them to stand not only with the people whose stories they report but also for their own rights.
She called on the media to vote for safety and security in their profession, an end to impunity against journalists, and economic relief and fair treatment for media workers.
The NDC communicator stated that John Dramani Mahama has consistently shown his dedication to press freedom and accountability. “As one of us, he [Mahama] understands the challenges we face and offers a vision of inclusivity and respect for the media”.
Accordingly, Muslim urged the media to vote for their collective future, emphasizing the importance of safety, security, and economic dignity for all media practitioners.
She expressed her wishes for strength and resilience as journalists cover this crucial election, stressing the need to work tirelessly for truth, democracy, and justice.
Guided by a commitment to shared humanity, she encouraged the media to uphold their role in fostering a free and fair society.
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