Global Observances of World Press Freedom Day 2025 Highlight Pressing Challenges and Advocacy Efforts

April 29, 2025 – Ghana  – 

World Press Freedom Day 2025, observed on May 3, underscored the critical need to safeguard press freedom amidst escalating threats to journalists worldwide. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its affiliates organized various events to commemorate the day and address pressing issues affecting the media landscape.

In Brussels, the IFJ, in collaboration with the Palestinian Journalists’ Syndicate, Saudi Journalists Association, Syrian Journalists Association, and Yemeni Journalists’ Syndicate, hosted an event titled “Stop the Killing of Journalists in the World’s Deadliest War Zones.” This gathering aimed to draw attention to the perilous conditions journalists face in conflict zones and to advocate for their protection.

Meanwhile, in Ghana, the Network of Women in Broadcasting (NOWIB) marked the day by acknowledging the country’s significant improvement in the 2024 World Press Freedom Index, where Ghana ranked 50th out of 180 countries. This 12-place improvement reflects positive changes in Ghana’s press freedom environment, particularly in the political context component. However, NOWIB emphasized that while celebrating this progress, the press freedom remains classified as ‘problematic’ overall, highlighting ongoing challenges.

These observances serve as poignant reminders of the vital role of press freedom in democracy and the ongoing efforts required to protect journalists globally. The IFJ’s initiatives and NOWIB’s acknowledgment of Ghana’s progress illustrate the collective commitment to upholding the principles of free and independent journalism.

As the world continues to confront challenges to press freedom, these events underscore the importance of solidarity, advocacy, and vigilance in ensuring that journalists can operate without fear of retribution, thereby safeguarding the public’s right to information.

Reference –

https://www.ifj.org/media-centre/newsletters/detail/world-press-freedom-day-2025-ifj-affiliates-actions/category/regions
https://www.unesco.org/en/days/press-freedom

Women In Broadcasting Mark World Press Freedom Day