President John Dramani Mahama has underscored the indispensable role of independent journalism in safeguarding democracy, peace, and sustainable development, describing it as a public good, not a luxury.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the High-Level International Conference on Information Integrity and Independent Media in Paris, France, President Mahama said that societies thrive when journalists are free to investigate and report without fear or favour.
“Independent journalism is not a luxury; it is a public good. When journalists can investigate freely, societies flourish. When truth is defended, peace is preserved. And when citizens can access reliable information, democracy endures,” he stated.
The President urged governments across the world to invest in truth with the same commitment they show toward infrastructure, defence, and other national priorities. He stressed that truth and credible information form the foundation of public trust, which is critical to maintaining democratic governance and social harmony.
President Mahama further warned that the global erosion of information integrity threatens the stability of nations, as misinformation and disinformation continue to distort public discourse and divide communities. He called on world leaders to support policies and initiatives that strengthen the independence and sustainability of the media.
READ: Mahama calls for global war on misinformation, disinformation
His remarks formed part of a broader call to defend the right to reliable information and promote global cooperation in the fight against falsehoods, particularly in an era of Artificial Intelligence and rapid digital transformation.
The Paris conference concluded with a renewed international pledge to protect information integrity and uphold the principles of truth, transparency, and press freedom.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
