Ghana: Media Censorship and the Chieftaincy Institution

There have been instances in Ghana where journalists have been intimidated into not reporting on certain topics or certain groups. As a result, some have had to ignore certain stories or seek permission from state agencies before publishing them. This intimidation has an impact on the way journalists do their work and whether they are able to provide reliable information.

‘Pavement media’ is a media space

Ghana’s chieftaincy institution is one of the oldest traditional institutions in the country and has been resilient despite attempts to suppress it. The 1992 constitution of Ghana recognises this institution and accords it autonomy. The interaction between the two systems of governance has been evident in land administration, local governance, and development.

The political conflict in Ghana has drawn people from outside the chieftaincy contest. Many of these individuals do not belong to the royal family and support one faction over another. These people are sometimes involved in violent attacks by supporters of one faction or another. For example, in some conflicts in the Northern part of the country, the largest opposition party in the country – the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has supported the Bangyili gate while the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) supports the Gbomayili.

Low wages

In Ghana, the chieftaincy institution have had their own issues in terms of media censorship. While media censorship is rare, physical violence against journalists and photographers happens on occasion. Recently, a local radio station was attacked by youths for not obeying their orders. In the recent past too, another incident involved a female radio journalist, Afia Pokuah, who was beaten by some party supporters and loyalists at the Ablekuma Branch of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

Ghanaian journalists are underpaid and have limited time to investigate stories about corruption and slander. Most of them have to live off meager salaries and struggle to pay bills and rent. This pressure often results in censorship of stories involving powerful figures. Additionally, low wages have led to high newsroom turnover in Ghana. Many journalists who reach the top of the newsroom leave for the high-paying private sector, creating a “brain drain” of experienced journalists.

Working conditions

The National Media Commission (NMC) is an institution intended to promote a free and independent media. Yet, recent reports suggest that the government has been using political patronage to appoint some of its staff. There have also been reports that government officials have been bribing journalists and other media professionals in order to control their content.

Despite the constitution’s prohibition against government interference in the media, the government has sought to exert control over the media. This has undermined public trust in the media and further restricted its ability to inform the electorate. As a result, it appears journalists in Ghana are no longer free to tell the truth about the country.

Repression of journalists

The repression of journalists in Ghana’s democracy is also a growing problem. Despite the country’s alleged free media, security agencies have attacked journalists and broadcasters for reporting on corruption. One-third of media outlets are owned by people connected to the dominant political parties, which explains why much of their content is partisan. Furthermore, about 80% of all newspaper readership is concentrated in few publications. The owners of media outlets are able to silence or even kill journalists if they are critical of people associated with the outlets.

The attacks on journalists and media organisations are a serious threat to free expression and the freedom of the press. Furthermore, these attacks prevent journalists from freely reporting on public activities, and thus hinder the flow of information. This situation is not acceptable. Politicians should allow journalists to cover public activities without fear of harassment.

Slander and libel laws

Slander and libel laws in the country were once used to intimidate journalists and private newspapers. During the military and the constitutional rule, criminal libel laws made practicing journalism extremely risky. Many journalists were jailed and feared for their safety. But under the NPP government, these laws were abolished.

In the past, Ghanaians living abroad have defamed Ghanaians living in the country through sponsored media publications. However, the country has enacted laws now to protect the rights of individuals as well as the rights of others. The 1992 Ghana Constitution guarantees the right to freedom of speech, subject to the rights of others and the public interest.

Political parties’ links to state-owned media

The links between political parties and state-owned media in Ghana are controversial and have been criticized in some quarters. While most media outlets in Ghana are privately owned, the constitution guarantees equal time to all candidates in an election. Although political parties may buy airtime in the state-owned media, the actual broadcast of their materials depends on factors other than their finances.

Election observers in Ghana have noted instances in which party agents participated in the count and were accepted by election officials. Observers also noted conflicting procedures in the Ghanaian Electoral Law.