SECTOR 1 However, while these chapters clearly ensure that Ghana’s citizens and media are free, there is insufficient legislation, aside from the National Media Commission (NMC) Act and the Whistleblowers Act, to support these constitutional clauses. For example, the constitution notes that the NMC should register newspapers, “but the rules, criteria, and qualifications of registering media remains very weak.” To date, despite years of consultation and advocacy to this effect, Ghana still does not have a Right to Information or Broadcasting law. Although libel laws were repealed back in 2001, laws such as ‘the causing fear and panic law’ in Section 208 of the Criminal Code of 1960 remain on the statute books. Scores: Individual scores: 1 Country does not meet indicator 2 Country meets only a few aspects of indicator 3 Country meets some aspects of indicator 4 Country meets most aspects of indicator 5 Country meets all aspects of the indicator Average score: 4.6 (2006:4.2; 2008:4.5; 2011:4.0; 2013:4.3) 1.2 The right to freedom of expression is practised and citizens, including journalists, are asserting their rights without fear. “This is the only country in Africa where you can insult the president and get away with it.” “There is a space for people to express themselves without fear, and some may even go overboard.” Panellists agreed that to a large extent Ghanaians are expressing themselves, with radio being the main platform for airing their views, as “they can go on air and speak their mind without fear of a backlash.” AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER GHANA 2017 13