Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Shamima Muslim says journalism has evolved beyond its traditional role as the "fourth estate" and should now be recognised as a critical pillar of democratic infrastructure.

Speaking on behalf of Minister of State for Government Communications Felix Ofosu Kwakye whilst addressing participants at the inaugural CJID Ghana Media Summit in Accra, she argued that independent journalism has become indispensable to democratic governance in an increasingly complex information environment.

"The media has long been described as the fourth estate, but I believe that description no longer fully captures its significance. Journalism has become democratic infrastructure," she said.

Ms Muslim compared journalism's role in democracy to essential public infrastructure.

"Just as roads connect cities, electricity powers industries and hospitals preserve life, the media sustains democracy itself."

She said journalism empowers citizens to participate in governance, amplifies marginalised voices, exposes corruption, scrutinises public institutions and equips the public with credible information needed for informed decision-making.

According to her, the strength of any democracy should not be measured solely by the credibility of its public institutions but also by the professionalism, integrity and independence of its media.

She cautioned that in an era dominated by artificial intelligence and digital platforms, journalists face increasing pressure to balance speed with accuracy.

"The credibility of journalism will ultimately not be measured by who publishes first, but by who earns and sustains public trust," she stated.

Ms Muslim further urged newsrooms to strengthen skills in digital verification, data journalism, cybersecurity, open-source intelligence and cross-border investigations to respond effectively to emerging threats in the digital age.

The CJID Ghana Media Summit was organised under the theme "Defending Democracy in West Africa: The Role of Media."