The Deputy Ambassador for Denmark, Vibeke Sandholm Pedersen, has called on media houses and the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) to actively advocate for media freedom and the right of the press to operate without interference.

According to her, it is difficult to imagine democracy without a free press.

The Deputy Ambassador noted that during the Universal Periodic Review at the United Nations, the Ghanaian government supported recommendations for developing a national action plan aimed at safeguarding journalists and enhancing media freedom.

Speaking at JoyNews’ national dialogue on press freedom, she said, “You as media, you have a voice. You can influence the debate. Civil society organisations and the private sector must support the media. In this context, the action plan to protect journalists and the media is very useful, if not a critical issue."

Mrs Pederson emphasized the urgency of implementing the action plan, especially with the upcoming elections.

“The Embassy will encourage all parties to enter into a dialogue with the government to develop this action plan which can contribute to journalists reporting freely without fear in accordance with all the commitment to media freedom, undertaken by the government.”

The Danish Embassy in Ghana is part of the sponsors for the JoyNews National Dialogue on press freedom.