Ghana Celebrates World Press Freedom Day

Ghana will mark World Press Freedom day today to celebrate the work of the media. The day is set aside by the UN to also raise awareness of the importance of freedom of the press. This is to remind governments of their duty to respect and uphold the right to freedom of expression enshrined under Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This year's theme is �Safe to Speak: Securing Freedom of Expression in All Media.� Information and Media Relations Minister, Mahama Ayariga has assured that government will not fail in its bid to uphold the freedom of the press. The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) has meanwhile indicated the state of press freedom in the region while commendable, has been rather gradual. According MFWA, West African governments who remain intolerant to press freedom both online and offline and who continue to repress the media, are of prime concern. The Foundation has thus called on all West African governments to respect and safeguard free expression, both online and offline in their respective countries. MFWA also called on all journalists and media practitioners to be professional in the discharge of their duties while upholding the ethos of the profession.