The Whistleblowers, Activists and Journalists Safety International Center (WAJSIC) has urged governments and citizens not to become complacent over Ghana’s recent progress in global press freedom rankings, warning that journalists across the region continue to face serious threats.
Marking this year’s World Press Freedom Day, the Centre said while Ghana’s improved standing on the World Press Freedom Index was encouraging, it should not overshadow the dangers confronting media practitioners, particularly in West Africa and the Sahel.
In a statement signed by investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas, Chairman of WAJSIC, the organisation said World Press Freedom Day should serve as both a celebration of democratic progress and a reminder of the sacrifices made by journalists, activists and whistleblowers in holding power to account.
WAJSIC noted that Ghana climbed from eighth to fourth position in Africa between 2025 and 2026 on the Reporters Without Borders index, while its global ranking improved from 52nd to 39th.
The Centre described the progress as evidence that deliberate political and institutional reforms could help create a safer and more independent media landscape.
However, it warned that journalists in many parts of the region still face harassment, intimidation, forced exile and attacks for exposing corruption and abuse.
According to WAJSIC, it directly supported 98 vulnerable individuals between 2022 and 2025, including 41 in 2025 alone, while also training more than 100 journalists, activists and whistleblowers to improve their safety and strengthen their ability to document human rights violations.
“These are not just numbers; they represent protected lives and truths that continue to surface despite attempts to suppress them,” the statement said.
The organisation commended its technical and financial partners for supporting its work and stressed that global solidarity remained critical in protecting freedom of expression.
WAJSIC called on governments to uphold human rights obligations, end impunity for attacks on journalists and create a safer environment for independent journalism to thrive.
It also urged citizens to actively defend media freedom, warning that restrictions on the press could have wider consequences for democracy and accountability.
“Without a free press, there is no truth, and without truth, there is no justice,” the statement added.
