Ghana has recorded a notable rise in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index, climbing 13 places from 52nd in 2025 to 39th globally, according to Reporters Without Borders. The country also improved its standing in Africa, moving to sixth position.
While the progress has been welcomed, the Media Research Institute (MRi) says the gains fall short of expectations and should not be over-celebrated.
In a statement marking World Press Freedom Day, MRi acknowledged the improvement as a step in the right direction but cautioned against complacency, noting that Ghana has the potential to perform far better.
According to the institute, Ghana’s score rose from 67.13 in 2025 to 72.20 in 2026 — a 5.07-point increase — which it described as modest relative to the country’s historical leadership in democratic governance and press freedom in Africa.
MRi further highlighted disparities in Ghana’s performance across key indicators used in the index. While the country ranked strongly in political and legal measures (29th in both), it lagged in economic (50th), social (49th), and security (60th) indicators.
Taking 13 steps forward is good, but beyond the numeric progression, Ghana’s strides towards the desired threshold is not impressive.”
The institute urged stakeholders, including government, media, and civil society, to consolidate the gains made and intensify efforts to protect press freedom. It specifically warned against the misuse of legal frameworks to suppress media independence.
MRi also called for responsible journalism in line with this year’s theme, “Shaping a Future of Peace,” stressing the role of the media in promoting dialogue and contributing to conflict resolution both locally and globally.
The statement, signed by Executive Director Daniel Nkrumah, commended Ghanaian journalists for their dedication to informing the public and advancing democratic development.
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