The United Voices for Change (UVC) has learned with utmost disgust, shameful violent attacks that was meted on journalist within UTV studios.
The ability of journalists to report freely on matters of public interest is a crucial indicator of democracy.
A free press can inform citizens of their leaders’ successes or failures, convey the people’s needs and desires to government bodies, and provide a platform for the open exchange of information and ideas. When media freedom is restricted, these vital functions break down, leading to poor decision-making and harmful outcomes for leaders and citizens alike.
For the second successive year, Ghana dropped downward in the annual global press freedom rankings by Reporters Without Borders (RSF). The country fell two places, from 60th in 2022, to 62nd, in the 2023 rankings.
The fine prints show that the country’s overall raw score declined by almost 2 points in the last year, retrograding from 67.43 in 2022 to 65.93 in 2023.
It is very shameful to see the level of intolerance by persons in this government. The decision do not only demonstrate shame but also, shows how Ghana is back to the buggy and horse days and therefore, this very actions we condemn in no uncertain terms.
Government should take a careful look at the rate at which media houses and journalist are being treated and harassed as we live in a democratic ruling country.
UVC will continue to champion the freedom of all including persons in government when they are also threatened.
Signed
National Supervisor
United Voices for Change!.
