Constitution Review Committee engages media on reforming Ghana’s democratic information landscape

The Constitution Review Committee (CRC) has met with journalists and social media influencers in a bid to foster inclusive dialogue on proposed amendments to Ghana’s 1992 Constitution. The engagement, held on Wednesday, aimed to incorporate a wide range of perspectives, particularly on media freedom, regulation, and digital communication.

Addressing participants, Professor Amin Alhassan, Director General of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), underscored the enduring relevance of public-service broadcasting amid the rapid growth of social media. He emphasized that media institutions like GBC serve national interests rather than profit motives, offering reliable and impartial information to the public.

Prof. Alhassan called for increased public investment in radio broadcasting to enhance access to credible information, especially in underserved areas, and to strengthen democratic participation across Ghana.

Adding to the discussion, Rebecca Ekpe, Public Affairs Officer at the Ghana Journalists Association, urged clarity around the constitutional mandates of media regulators such as the National Media Commission and the National Communications Authority. She also called for constitutional reforms to address the rising threat of misinformation and disinformation, which she said endangered the integrity of Ghana’s democratic discourse.

Mr. Suleiman Braimah, Executive Director of the Media Foundation for West Africa, raised concerns over the politicisation of the airwaves, revealing that nearly 70% of radio stations in Ghana are owned by individuals with political affiliations. He warned that this undermines journalistic neutrality and amplifies partisan narratives.

He also highlighted the misuse of social media to facilitate fraud, peddle false financial schemes, and market unregulated herbal remedies, urging the CRC to examine how the Constitution can better regulate media content and oversight of broadcasting frequencies.

Several participants echoed calls for the CRC to consider amendments that would address hate speech, clarify content standards, and strengthen digital media governance.

As the CRC continues its work, the forum underscored the pressing need for constitutional updates that reflect Ghana’s evolving media landscape and uphold democratic principles in the digital age.