The Ranking Member of Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs has berated the government over the country’s poor performance in the 2022 World Press Freedom Index.

Samuels Okudzeto Ablakwa says the poor performance is a cause for concern for all. 

The North Tongu MP while speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, May 6, insisted that President Akufo-Addo must address all state agencies involved in protecting media freedoms.

According to him, President Akufo-Addo must take urgent steps to address the issue. 

“Let us not be petty. This decline is the worse in our history. The president himself should speak to this and ensure that it is addressed immediately. 

“He should have a meeting with the National Media Commission (NMC) and all the heads of the various security agencies whose officers have been at the centre of this,” the outspoken lawmaker said. 

Mr Ablakwa also asked the president to start engaging the press very often as had been done in times past by his predecessors. 

“The president must speak to the journalists and take appropriate questions and know their grievances and see the best way forward,” he added. 

A ranking by Reporters Without Borders reported that Ghana has dropped from 60th in 2021 to 62nd globally, and 10th in Africa.

This is Ghana’s lowest-ever ranking in almost two decades after it ranked 66th and 67th in 2005 and 2002 respectively..

The latest report is out of 180 countries assessed with Ghana recording a decline in its indicative points from 78.67 percent to 67.43 compared to last year.

Also recently, the US Department of State released its 2021 annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices which reports on key human rights issues in various countries across the world including Ghana.

The report cited Ghana for a number of human rights abuses including clamping down on free speech.