ACCRA, April 27, 2018 (GJA) – GHANA has the freest media atmosphere in Africa, according to the 2018 World Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) Wednesday. According to the ranking, Ghana placed 23rd on the 180-country list, having moved from the 26th position in 2017 to unseat Namibia from the top position in Africa.

Namibia was, however, the second best in Africa, having placed 26th, while South Africa emerged third best in Africa on the 28th position. On the flipside, Eritrea is the worst media environment in Africa, having placed 179th, with Sudan, Egypt, Burundi, Equatorial Guinea, Djibouti and Somalia completing the bottom ranking in Africa.

At the global level, Norway topped the ranking, followed by Sweden, The Netherlands, Finland, Switzerland, Jamaica, Belgium, New Zealand, Denmark and Costa Rica in the top 10 bracket. The annual World Press Freedom Index published by RSF since 2002, measures the level of media freedom, pluralism, independence and respect for safety of journalists in 180 countries.

The 2018 Index takes account of violations that took place between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2017.

By Peter Crabbe