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Ghanaians support media watchdog role despite waning trust – Afrobarometer Survey

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The majority of Ghanaians continue to endorse the media’s role as a watchdog over government actions, even as confidence in press freedom and media trust declines, according to new data released by Afrobarometer to mark World Press Freedom Day 2025.

The survey, conducted by the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), revealed that 82 per cent of respondents believe the media should “constantly investigate and report on government mistakes and corruption.”

However, public perceptions of media independence have become increasingly uncertain, with 32 per cent of citizens now saying the press is “not very free” or “not at all” free – a sharp increase from 19 per cent in 2019.

“Most Ghanaians say the media should play an active role in reporting on government mistakes and corruption,” Afrobarometer noted in the report. “But at the same time, fewer citizens see the media as free and trustworthy.”

Two-thirds of respondents (67 per cent) still see Ghana’s media as either “somewhat” or “completely” free. Yet this reflects a growing sense of unease about political interference, especially when compared to earlier years.

Trust in news sources has also waned. Only 41 per cent of Ghanaians say they trust news from both privately owned and state-owned media “somewhat” or “a lot,” marking declines of 7 and 3 percentage points, respectively, since 2022. Even more striking is the drop in trust for social media as a news source, now standing at just 26 per cent – down 12 percentage points in two years.

Despite concerns about media credibility and independence, the public does not widely perceive a rise in direct threats against journalists.

Fewer than one-third of citizens reported an increase in threats or attacks against media personnel by political party supporters (32 per cent), ordinary citizens (28 per cent), or security forces (26 per cent) in the last two years.

The findings are based on face-to-face interviews with a nationally representative sample of 2,400 adult Ghanaians conducted in August 2024. The data carries a margin of error of +/-2 percentage points at a 95 per cent confidence level.

Afrobarometer, a pan-African research network, has been tracking public opinion on governance and democratic values across the continent since 1999. This latest release forms part of its Round 10 survey series, which began in January 2024 across several African countries.

Source: Graphic online

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President Mahama to Embark on Working Visit to South Korea

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John Dramani Mahama, President of Ghana, will embark on a working visit to the South Korea from March 10 to March 14, 2026, in a move aimed at strengthening diplomatic, economic, and educational cooperation between the two nations.

According to the Office of the President, Mahama will depart from Accra on Sunday for Seoul. During the visit, he is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and also meet the Speaker of the National Assembly, Woo Won-shik.

As part of his itinerary, President Mahama will attend a ship-naming ceremony at the Hyundai Shipyard in Ulsan. He will also deliver a speech at a conferment ceremony at Yonsei University.

The visit will further include engagements with members of the Ghanaian community living and working in South Korea, as well as a dinner meeting with leading chief executives and business leaders to explore investment opportunities.

President Mahama will be accompanied by a government delegation led by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, who noted that the trip is expected to deepen strategic cooperation and strengthen the partnership between Ghana and South Korea.

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“Corruption is a Cancer That Erodes Our Nation” — Mahama Urges Stronger Anti-Corruption Fight

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President John Dramani Mahama has described corruption as a serious threat to Ghana’s national development, warning that corrupt practices undermine education, healthcare, and infrastructure delivery across the country.

Speaking during 69th Independence Anniversary, President Mahama said corruption weakens governance systems and denies citizens access to essential public services.

“Corruption is a cancer that erodes the very foundation of our nation,” he stated. “Every cedi that is stolen from the public purse represents a classroom that is robbed of textbooks, a hospital that will go without medicines, and a road that will be left uncompleted.”

The President emphasized that fighting corruption remains a key priority of his administration, adding that government is strengthening anti-corruption institutions to improve transparency and accountability in public service delivery.

“Under my leadership, we are not just fighting corruption with words alone. We are strengthening institutions, protecting anti-corruption agencies from political interference, and ensuring that no individual, regardless of their status or political affiliation, is above the law,” he said.

President Mahama also called for a national culture of integrity, urging citizens to support the fight against corruption through ethical conduct in both public and private life.
“Government cannot win this battle alone. We must build a national culture of integrity where honesty is valued and public service is regarded as a sacred duty,” he added.

He further urged public servants and political leaders to demonstrate accountability and transparency in the management of national resources.

“Leadership must be accountable. Independence granted us freedom, but freedom demands responsibility,” he said.

President Mahama stressed that Ghana’s development depends on collective responsibility, urging citizens to place national interest above personal or partisan interests.
“Above all, we must place country above party, above tribe, and above personal interests.

Ghana is bigger than any one of us,” he said.
The President’s remarks come as part of broader government efforts to strengthen governance reforms, improve economic management, and restore public confidence in state institutions.

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Mahama Urges Youth to Prepare for Future in 69th Independence Day Address

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President John Dramani Mahama has urged Ghanaian youth to prepare themselves for future opportunities through education, discipline, and skills development as the country continues its journey toward economic transformation and national prosperity.

Addressing the nation during Ghana’s 69th Independence Anniversary celebration held under the theme “Building Prosperity, Inspiring Hope,” President Mahama said the youth represent the future of Ghana’s development and must be equipped with modern skills to compete in the global economy.

“To the young people of this country, I see you, I hear you, and I believe in your potential,” President Mahama said. “You belong to a generation that is armed with tools and opportunities that earlier generations could hardly have imagined.”

He noted that technology presents significant opportunities for young people to build careers and businesses, stressing the importance of innovation and entrepreneurship.

“In your hands, a smartphone transforms into a classroom. In your hands, it becomes a business platform, a creative studio, and a gateway to the global economy,” he said.

However, President Mahama also urged young people to combine opportunity with discipline, resilience, and commitment to excellence in order to achieve success.

“The future belongs to those who prepare for it,” he stated. “Success will also depend on discipline, resilience, and excellence in everything you do.”

The President outlined government initiatives aimed at supporting youth development, including investments in digital infrastructure, entrepreneurship programmes, and innovation hubs across the country.

“We are investing in digital infrastructure, entrepreneurship programmes, and innovation hubs from Accra to Kumasi, Tamale, Takoradi, Ho, and Koforidua,” he said.

He also announced reforms in education and training programmes designed to bridge the gap between school and employment.

“We are reforming education to meet the needs of the modern economy and expanding internship and apprenticeship programmes to prepare young people for the world of work,” he added.

President Mahama further encouraged young Ghanaians to uphold national values of patriotism and integrity.

“Ghana’s progress will depend on every citizen doing their part. Wherever you are, whatever you do, do it with excellence. Do it for Ghana, do it for Africa, and do it for the generations yet unborn,” he said.

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