The Centre for Democratic Development Ghana (CDD-Ghana) has raised fresh concerns about press freedom and the pace of anti-corruption reforms in its one-year assessment of the John Dramani Mahama administration.

In the report released on Thursday, February 19, the civil society group warned that the government has yet to fulfil key promises aimed at expanding civic space and strengthening the accountability framework.

CDD-Ghana criticised what it described as the government’s failure to initiate the repeal of “all anti-press freedom laws” to reverse what it called a growing climate of fear and intimidation.

According to the organisation, there are worrying signs that the repealed criminal libel regime may be returning through the use of the publication of false news provision under the Criminal Offences Act.

The report noted that some cases that appear to be straightforward defamation disputes are being pursued as criminal matters by state security agencies.

“This is concerning because defamation matters must be tackled through civil action taken by respective aggrieved persons, whether they are public officials or not,” the assessment stated.

CDD-Ghana cautioned that the involvement of security agencies in such cases is “undesirable because it often leads to the gagging of citizens and the shrinking of civic space.”

The think tank warned the trend could have a chilling effect on investigative journalism and whistleblowing activities if not urgently addressed.

On broader governance reforms, CDD-Ghana acknowledged the government's decision to transition from the first National Anti-Corruption Action Plan (NACAP I) to the new framework, the National Ethics and Anti-Corruption Action Plan (NEACAP).

The group described the move — and the placement of the new framework under the Office of the President — as commendable and potentially capable of strengthening oversight.

However, it stressed that success would depend heavily on implementation.

“The proof will be in implementation,” the report emphasised, warning that the same challenges that weakened NACAP I — particularly underfunding and weak political commitment — must be “genuinely addressed, not just rhetorically.”

CDD-Ghana also pointed to delays in passing the long-promised Conduct of Public Officers Bill into law.

While acknowledging the launch of a Code of Conduct for Appointees, the organisation said the absence of a comprehensive legislative framework means a key manifesto pledge remains unfulfilled.

Analysts say the bill is widely viewed as central to tightening rules on conflicts of interest, asset declaration, and ethical standards in public office.

The latest assessment adds to ongoing debate about the government’s record on transparency, media freedom and institutional reform.

CDD-Ghana is urging authorities to accelerate legislative action, safeguard press freedoms, and ensure the new anti-corruption framework is properly funded and backed by strong political will.

Observers say the coming months will be critical in determining whether the administration can convert policy commitments into measurable governance gains.