WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY 2023

3^rd May 2023 marks 30 years since the inception of World Press Freedom Day, celebrated yearly by UNESCO member states.

This year’s celebration was targeted at defending freedom of expression. The theme for the year is ‘Shaping the future of rights; Freedom of expression as a driver for all other human rights.

The rationale behind the celebration is to remember and honor journalists who lost their lives while chasing and sharing the news. It is also to create awareness of the need for press freedom in our society and the world.

This year’s World Press Freedom Day celebration in Ghana was organized by the Ghana Journalists Association in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service and GIBA. An event was held at the Ghana International Press Center to celebrate the day.

As part of the celebration, there was a public lecture by appeal court judge, Justice Dennis Dominic Adjei on the theme, ‘freedom of expression; a driver for all human rights for Ghana’s development

In attendance were dignitaries from the diplomatic community as well as members and leaders of the Ghanaian media fraternity. Former GJA president, Gifty Affenyi Dadzie, current GJA president, Albert Dwumfour, UNESCO country rep, as well as representatives from the ministry of information, UN in Ghana, and EU in Ghana were invited to deliver solidarity messages.

In his message on press freedom, UN in Ghana Country Coordinator, Charles Abani, stated that ‘World Press Freedom Day highlights a basic truth; all our freedoms depend on press freedom. Freedom of the press is the foundation for democracy and justice.’

UNESCO Ghana Country rep Abdourahamane Diallo, admonished participants to reaffirm their commitment to defending press freedom, protecting the rights of journalists and media workers, and working together to build a more equitable society where the press is free to report on issues that matter most, without fear of prosecution or retaliation.

The ceremony climaxed with flag hoisting and a book exhibition.