Haruna Mohammed, Member of Parliament for Asunafo North Constituency in the Ahafo Region, has called on the National Media Commission (NMC) and the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) to urgently update Ghana’s media ethics guidelines to address the emerging challenges posed by Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Speaking at a World Press Freedom Day event on Sunday in Goaso, the MP emphasized that AI, though beneficial in enhancing news delivery and fact-checking, also poses a serious threat to the credibility of news organizations—especially in rural areas like Ahafo where internet penetration is just 45% (National Communications Authority, 2023) and digital literacy remains low.

“AI’s impact on press freedom raises concerns,” Mr Mohammed said. “While AI can enhance news delivery and fact-checking, it risks spreading misinformation and undermining media credibility.”

World Press Freedom Day, marked globally on May 3 each year, was established by the United Nations in 1993 to honour courageous journalism and to promote the protection of press freedom around the world. The 2025 celebration is themed around the impact of AI on press freedom, the free flow of information, media independence, and the protection of fundamental freedoms.

Mr Mohammed commended recent improvements in Ghana’s press freedom ranking, noting that Ghana rose to 50th globally in 2025 with a score of 67.71%, up from 52nd earlier in the year, according to the 2025 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders.

“However, the security of journalists remains a concern, ranking 86th globally, reflecting ongoing threats,” he cautioned. Highlighting the rural nature of his constituency, the MP said: “In Ahafo, where 60% of the population is rural (Ghana Statistical Service, 2021), these challenges are amplified by limited resources and access to information.”

He noted that the region, with a population of 564,668 (2021 Ghana Statistical Service), relies heavily on local media outlets—including Nananom FM, Success FM, Genesis FM, Rejoice FM, Anapua FM, High Radio and others—for information dissemination, education, and promotion of businesses.

Mr Mohammed praised the efforts of regional correspondents, bloggers, and journalists operating in Asunafo North, which is home to 124,685 residents (2021 census), for their “immeasurable contributions” to public information.

The lawmaker called for increased investment in media literacy in Ahafo to empower citizens to access credible information and to support the free flow of information and the protection of freedoms in the AI era.

He referenced provisions in the 2025 national budget and the government’s economic policy for media development, which includes funding for digital literacy initiatives and training journalists on the use of AI tools.

“These initiatives build on the government’s Media Support Programs, which previously contributed to improving Ghana’s press freedom ranking from 62nd in 2023 to 50th in 2024 through efforts like the Coordinated Mechanism for the Safety of Journalists (CMSJ),” he added.