Sulemana Braimah, the Executive Director of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), recently delivered a compelling address highlighting the urgent need for media reforms in Ghana.

Speaking at a forum on Ghana’s Media Landscape, Braimah emphasized the role of media in the country’s democratic journey and called for transformative changes to strengthen its impact on governance and development.

Braimah began by stressing the historical significance of the media in Ghana’s political development, citing key moments such as the establishment of news agencies and newspapers during the independence struggle. He underscored the media’s vital role as a platform for public discourse and citizen engagement.

Drawing attention to the past 30 years of democratic governance, Braimah highlighted the remarkable growth of the media industry in Ghana. The proliferation of radio, television, and online platforms has provided wider access to information and diverse voices.

However, he cautioned against the negative effects of partisanship, emphasizing that certain media outlets prioritize partisan interests over ethical journalism.

Addressing the challenges faced by Ghana’s media sector, Braimah expressed concern over the rise of misinformation, reckless reporting, and baseless accusations. He called for measures to ensure professionalism and responsible journalism.

Braimah also highlighted the disturbing increase in attacks and threats against journalists, emphasizing the need for swift investigations and the prosecution of offenders.

The forum highlighted the absence of an effective media regulatory mechanism in Ghana, underscoring the need for comprehensive reforms. Braimah called for urgent measures to reform the National Media Commission (NMC), enhancing its capacity and granting it the authority to enforce sanctions.

He also advocated for the enactment of a broadcasting law to regulate the sector, promote transparency in frequency allocation, and ensure media ownership disclosure.

Concluding his address, Braimah emphasized the crucial role of the media in Ghana’s democratic evolution and national progress. He called for intensified media capacity-building efforts to enhance professionalism and the watchdog role of the media.

Braimah urged stakeholders to prioritize media reforms to create a conducive environment for responsible journalism and public accountability.