SECTOR 1 be careful with their utterances and speak in a managed tone so as not to incur the displeasure of any political elite. Culture also plays a big role in daily expressions which are guided largely by politeness and sensitivity, personal values and interpersonal relations. Most people have an “authoritarian upbringing” which, for example, makes it difficult or even impossible to talk to elders. In spite of these limitations the “days of the culture of silence” (under Jerry Rawlings, military dictator in 1979 and from 1981 to 1992, then elected president from 1993 to 2001) are over. Public discussions and debates are very robust. With a diverse media landscape and media pluralism there are now more platforms for citizens and journalists to express themselves. 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: 3.6 (2008: 4.8; 2006: 3.3) 1.3 There are no laws restricting freedom of expression such as excessive official secret or libel acts, or laws that unreasonably interfere with the responsibilities of media. Since 2001, when the relevant section in the Criminal Code of 1960 was repealed, Ghana no longer has a provision on criminal defamation on the statute books. But there is still the threat of being charged with civil defamation which could carry heavy fines. In reality, however, such cases “somehow go away”. Still in force is section 208 of the Criminal Code (1960) which criminalises the publication of AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER GHANA 2011 13