The Volta and Oti Regional Chapter of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) will commemorate the 2025 World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) with a line-up of thought-provoking activities and a networking event in Ho.
This year’s celebration, scheduled for Saturday, May 3, would be held under the global theme: “Reporting in the Brave New World – The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media.”
The theme seeks to explore the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on journalism practice, media ethics, and freedom of expression.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Mr. Emmanuel Agbaxode, Chairman of the GJA Volta/Oti, confirmed that all arrangements have been finalized for the regional observance, which promises to bring together journalists, media stakeholders, policymakers, and the public.
He disclosed that Mr James Gunu, the Volta Regional Minister, will serve as the Special Guest of Honour, and will deliver remarks on the role of a free press in promoting good governance, accountability, and sustainable development.
This will be followed by a dialogue and forum at the GJA Regional Press Centre, where speakers will delve into how AI technologies are reshaping newsrooms, presenting both opportunities and threats to independent journalism, credibility, and editorial integrity.
The celebration will climax with a Get-Together and networking session, aimed at fostering camaraderie and reflection among media practitioners in a relaxed atmosphere.
“World Press Freedom Day is not only a day of celebration, but also a moment of deep reflection on the state of media freedom in our country. It is an opportunity to reinforce our values of truth, responsibility, and innovation—especially now as AI rapidly transforms our industry,” Mr. Agbaxode noted.
He urged all media practitioners in the two regions to actively participate in the commemorative activities, stating that “press freedom must be defended not only with words but with meaningful actions.”
The GJA also called on media houses to amplify public interest in the celebration through their platforms and to continue advocating for the safety of journalists, fair regulation of the digital space, and media development.
World Press Freedom Day, observed every year on May 3, was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1993 to raise awareness of the importance of press freedom and remind governments of their duty to respect and uphold the right to freedom of expression.