Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, the President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), has unveiled a startling truth: an estimated 60% to 70% of media establishments in Ghana are controlled by politicians.
Expressing deep-seated concerns over this prevalent political dominance, Dwumfour highlighted the alarming lack of transparency surrounding media funding.
The GJA President cautioned against the unchecked influence of politicians in the media, warning of its potential ramifications on shaping public opinion and discourse.
During an interview, Mr Dwumfour reiterated his urgent plea for the National Communication Authority (NCA) to disclose the identities of media financiers, aiming to quell speculation and uncertainty.
“I’ve consistently emphasized the necessity for the NCA to step up; they serve the public. It’s crucial that we know the individuals or entities backing most media outlets. Regardless of their preference, this information should be documented officially,” Dwumfour asserted.
He underscored the importance of transparency in dispelling rumors and ensuring accountability within Ghana’s media landscape.
Mr Dwumfour also revealed a nuanced aspect of media ownership, disclosing that certain individuals, ostensibly outside of political circles, serve as proxies for politicians, further complicating the issue of media control.
As calls for transparency and regulation in Ghana’s media sphere grow louder, Mr Dwumfour’s revelations underscore the urgency of addressing the pervasive influence of politics in media ownership.
