The 2009 Press Freedom Index, a survey conducted by International Media Group, Reporters Without Borders has ranked Ghana first in terms of Press Freedom on the continent and higher than the likes of France, Italy and South Africa. Out of a 175 countries surveyed, Ghana was ranked 27 globally, with South Africa at 33 and France at 43. This survey reflects press freedom violations that took place over the last one year and means that the Ghanaian media are freer to operate than their colleagues in very civilized democracies in Europe. European and Scandinavian countries dwell in the first twenty slots with Denmark ranked number 1 and Eritrea the worst performing country. The survey, conducted between September 2008 and 2009, positions Ghana 27th, making her the only African country to appear in the top thirty category. With this score, Ghana beats the likes of South Africa, Namibia, Spain, Italy and France as being freer for the press. The report blames the average scoring of France, Italy, and Spain on the continued threats on the lives of journalists and the enactment of legislation which compromise media practice. The United States has climbed 16 places to stand at 20th, in just one year. The report says Barack Obama’s election as president and his less hawkish approach to dealing with issues, have had a lot to do with this. Reporters Without Borders compiles the index every year on the basis of questionnaires completed by hundreds of journalists and media experts around the world. Report by Benard Nasara Saibu/Joy 99.7FM/Ghana