World Press Freedom Event: BOG Calls For Responsible Journalism
The Second Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Mrs. Matilda Asante-Asiedu, has called on the media to embrace responsible journalism, warning that misinformation and disinformation pose serious risks to economic stability and national development.
Speaking at the 2026 World Press Freedom Honours Night organised by the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), she stressed the need for journalists to safeguard credibility in the discharge of their duties.
She noted that although Ghana’s media landscape remains one of the most vibrant in Africa, it continues to face challenges including declining public trust, financial sustainability issues and the spread of false information.
Mrs. Asante-Asiedu disclosed that Ghana has improved its ranking in the latest World Press Freedom Index, moving from 52nd position in 2025 to 39th out of 180 countries in 2026, marking the country’s best performance in five years.
She cautioned, however, that these gains could be undermined if the media fails to maintain professional standards.
“Credibility is the currency of journalism; once spent recklessly, it is difficult to regain,” she warned.
The BoG Deputy Governor explained that trust is now central to the survival of media organisations, influencing audience engagement, advertising revenue and long-term relevance.
Drawing a parallel with the financial sector, she said just as confidence sustains banks, trust sustains media institutions.
Mrs. Asante-Asiedu revealed that the Bank of Ghana has intensified its engagement with journalists through training programmes, policy briefings and continuous knowledge-sharing initiatives aimed at improving economic reporting.
She outlined key interventions including Monetary Policy Committee media briefings, publication of individual policy submissions, establishment of a Regional Press Corps, dedicated WhatsApp communication platforms for journalists, and the introduction of an Economic and Financial Journalist of the Year Award in collaboration with the GJA.
On the foreign exchange market, she explained that fluctuations in the cedi under Ghana’s managed floating exchange rate regime are normal and should not automatically be interpreted as signs of economic instability.
She cautioned that inaccurate or sensational reporting on forex movements could fuel panic, speculation and unnecessary demand for foreign currency.
According to her, a stable cedi supports lower transport costs, stabilises prices of essential goods, improves business planning and protects household incomes.
Mrs. Asante-Asiedu said Ghana’s macroeconomic outlook shows encouraging signs of recovery, with improved growth prospects and monetary policies focused on maintaining price stability.
She assured that the Bank of Ghana remains committed to sustaining financial stability and strengthening public confidence in the economy.
She urged the media to continue partnering with policymakers in promoting informed national discourse.
“A responsible press informs without inflaming, questions without prejudging, and reports without retorting,” she concluded.
