Freedom of the Press - Ghana (2002)

Status: Free
Legal Environment: 4
Political Influences: 12
Economic Pressures: 11
Total Score: 27

Population: n/a
GNI/capita: n/a
Life Expectancy: 58
Religious Groups: n/a
Ethnic Groups: Akan (44 percent), Moshi-Dagomba (16 percent), Ewe (13 percent), Ga (8 percent), other (19 percent)
Capital: Accra

Journalists' constitutionally-guaranteed freedom of expression was notably supported when the legislature unanimously repealed the criminal libel and sedition laws that had been used to imprison many journalists in years past. This action had been pledged by President John Kufuor during his election campaign. He also called for a Commission on National Reconciliation to settle past political and human rights grievances. A controversial talk-show host who had been banned by the previous Rawlings administration began broadcasting again in 2001. Major government media outlets exercised some restraint in their coverage, while several private newspapers freely criticized the administration. There were occasional reports that officials pressured government media outlets to minimize their coverage of opposition politicians.