Politically Polarised Environment Threatens Media – Prof. Karikari

Professor Kwame Karikari, a respected figure and founder of the Media Foundation for West Africa, has sounded a critical alarm regarding the state of media freedom in Ghana. Speaking at a public lecture commemorating World Press Freedom Day, he articulated concerns that the nation's deeply polarized political environment is actively undermining the media's ability to function independently and responsibly. Professor Karikari fears that the media is increasingly becoming a tool for political factions, used to disseminate inflammatory language, propaganda, and hate speech, rather than serving as a platform for informed national discourse.

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People with expert knowledge or specialised knowledge in many fields choose to be silent for fear of unwarranted attacks by party senior callers, illiterate commentators and mercenary radio or television hosts.

This entanglement with partisan politics, Karikari observed, has a chilling effect on the quality of public debate. Experts and individuals with specialized knowledge are choosing silence over engagement, fearing unwarranted criticism and attacks from what he described as "party senior callers, illiterate commentators and mercenary radio or television hosts." This silencing of informed voices deprives Ghana of crucial expert opinions needed for constructive national development. The very fabric of public discourse is weakened when those best equipped to contribute are intimidated into silence by the cacophony of partisan noise.

The recent ranking of Ghana at 39th out of 180 countries for media freedom, while an improvement from its previous position, does not negate the fundamental challenges highlighted by Professor Karikari. The University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC), which hosted the event, underscored the theme "Shaping a Future at Peace: Safeguarding Journalism in Ghana." UniMAC's Vice Chancellor, Professor Eric Opoku Mensah, echoed Karikari's sentiments, emphasizing that genuine development cannot occur in a politically fractured environment and that a free, responsible press is indispensable for a future anchored in peace and justice.

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It reminds us that the future we aspire to one anchored in peace, justice and development cannot be achieved without a free, responsible and protected press.

From our perspective at the Ghanaian Times, Professor Karikari's address serves as a vital reminder of the responsibilities that lie not only with media practitioners but also with political actors and the public. The media's role as a pillar of democracy is undeniable, historically contributing to Ghana's democratic journey by amplifying public concerns and fostering dialogue. However, this role is increasingly threatened by misinformation, economic pressures, and direct threats to journalists' safety. The challenge ahead is to navigate these complexities, ensuring that the media can uphold accuracy, ethical reporting, and public trust, thereby resisting the pull of partisan agendas and reaffirming its commitment to serving the Ghanaian people with integrity.

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This noble profession is increasingly confronted with challenges, such as misinformation, economic pressures, threats to safety and threats to life, and in some instances, attempts to suppress press freedom.