SECTOR 1 Freedom of expression, including freedom of the media, is effectively protected and promoted. 1.1 Freedom of expression, including freedom of the media, is guaranteed in the Constitution and supported by other pieces of legislation. Ghana’s Constitution guarantees both freedoms of expression, and freedom of the media. Chapter 5, Article 21 (1) of the Constitution, which outlines Fundamental Human Rights and Freedoms, states that: “All persons shall have the right to freedom of speech and expression, which shall include freedom of the press and other media.” Chapter 12 of the Constitution guarantees the freedom and independence of the media, protects the media from censorship, and guarantees the right for media houses to be established without impediment; with Article 162 (1 to 4) of the Constitution stating the following: 1. 2. 3. 4. Freedom and independence of the media are hereby guaranteed. Subject to this Constitution and any other law not inconsistent with this Constitution, there shall be no censorship in Ghana. There shall be no impediments to the establishment of private press or media; and in particular, there shall be no law requiring any person to obtain a licence as a prerequisite to the establishment or operation of a newspaper, journal or other media for mass communication or information. Editors and publishers of newspapers and other institutions of the mass media shall not be subject to control or interference by Government, nor shall they be penalized or harassed for their editorial opinions and views, or the content of their publications. Article 162 (5) upholds the media’s role in keeping government accountable to the public, by stating that: “All agencies of the mass media shall, at all times, be free to uphold the principles, provisions and objectives of this Constitution, and shall uphold the responsibility and accountability of the Government to the people of Ghana.” 12 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER GHANA 2017