President Mahama announces historic contribution, making Ghana the first African nation to back the International Fund for Public Interest Media, in a bold move to safeguard independent journalism globally.
In a significant move cementing its democratic credentials, Ghana has become the first African nation to make a financial contribution to the International Fund for Public Interest Media (IFPIM), President John Dramani Mahama announced Tuesday at a major global conference.
The landmark pledge, declared at the High-Level International Conference on Information Integrity and Independent Media in Paris, positions Ghana as a key global player in the fight to protect credible news ecosystems against the rising tide of misinformation and disinformation.
President Mahama framed the contribution not merely as aid, but as a strategic investment in a fundamental public good. “This demonstrates Ghana’s strong belief in the vital role of independent journalism and credible information,” he stated, describing them as “indispensable public goods” essential for healthy societies.
Laying out a stark challenge for the international community, the President called for concerted action. “The time has come for all of us to translate our shared ideals into tangible action,” Mahama urged the gathering. “Together, we must win—and we will win—the global war against misinformation and disinformation.”
In a parallel announcement signalling a comprehensive policy shift, President Mahama revealed that Ghana has also initiated the process to become a full member of the Partnership for Information and Democracy.
“Our landmark decision sends a clear message to the international community,” he said, “that Ghana remains steadfast in advancing the frontiers of freedom, upholding the rule of law, and serving as a model nation in promoting democracy and good governance.”
The IFPIM is a multilateral fund designed to provide a financial lifeline to independent, public-interest media outlets in low- and middle-income countries that are facing economic collapse and political pressure. Ghana's contribution, the specific amount of which was not disclosed, adds crucial momentum to the fund's goal of raising €130 million between 2026 and 2028.
The Paris conference, which gathered global leaders and media experts, yielded several key outcomes endorsed by Ghana, including:
- The Paris Declaration on Multilateral Action for Information Integrity and Independent Media.
- The establishment of a Consultative Committee to improve coordination between states and civil society.
- A reinforced global consensus that defending information integrity requires a sustained, collective effort.
This dual commitment, both financial and diplomatic, elevates Ghana from a regional democratic stalwart to an active global champion for press freedom. At a time when independent journalism is under threat worldwide from both economic pressures and political attacks, Ghana’s move is a potent symbolic and material stand, likely to resonate with international partners and civil society groups. It firmly plants the Ghanaian flag on the side of those arguing that a free press is not a peripheral issue, but a cornerstone of global stability and good governance.
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