The Eastern Region will host the National Commemoration of World Press Freedom Day on Friday, May 3, 2024, in Koforidua.
The event will take place at the Abba Bentil Theatre at the Koforidua Technical University (KTU) and will focus on the theme, “Leveraging journalism for a sustainable environment and future.”
A statement signed by Maxwell Kudekor, Eastern Regional chairman of Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), detailed that, the event will bring together members of the national executive of GJA,diplomatic corps, UNESCO officials, government representatives, civil society organizations, and students from across the region.
The day is set aside each year by the United Nations to celebrate press freedom, evaluate its state globally, defend media independence, and honor journalists who have died in the line of duty.
The commemoration will highlight the crucial role the press plays in disseminating reliable information and ensuring a sustainable future that upholds individual rights and diverse voices.
In addition, a training session on “Disinformation and the Impact of AI on Ethical Journalism” will be held for 30 selected journalists from the region at 1:00 pm the same day.
The statement encouraged Media practitioners and journalists in the Eastern region to attend and participate in the day’s events.
World Press Freedom Index evaluates 180 countries and five regions, considering factors such as pluralism, media independence, the strength of legislative frameworks, and the safety of journalists.
In 2023,Ghana dropped in its ranking on the annual Press Freedom Index released by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) for the second consecutive year.
The country slipped from 60th place last year to 62nd in 2023, marking its worst performance in 18 years since it was ranked 66th in 2005.
Despite the drop in global ranking, Ghana’s position among African countries improved, climbing to 9th place from 10th in the previous report.
Source: Mybrytfmonline.com/Obed Ansah
