AI can significantly enrich journalism, despite emerging threats – GJA President

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in journalism has great potential. It can transform news gathering and dissemination processes. However, there are emerging challenges.

Albert Kwabena Dwumfour is the President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA). He spoke about AI tools at the World Press Freedom Day event in Accra on May 2. He highlighted how AI can enhance journalistic efficiency and quality in a digital environment.

Mr. Dwumfour mentioned that AI could support investigative journalism. It can also streamline newsroom operations and improve access to information for diverse audiences. However, he cautioned that AI is a double-edged sword. Journalists must use it responsibly to maintain the profession's integrity.

The event's theme was “Celebrating the Champions of Press Freedom and Ghana’s Media Growth.” It focused on building a resilient media in the AI era. The ceremony honored distinguished media professionals who contributed to journalism in Ghana.

Honorees included Ambassador Kabral Blay-Amihere, Ms Ajoa Yeboah-Afari, and Mrs Gifty Afenyi-Dadzie. Other honorees were Dr Charles Wereko-Brobby, Mr Kwesi Pratt Jnr., Mr Ben Ephson, and Madam Elizabeth Ohene.

Mr. Dwumfour noted that AI technologies help journalists with various tasks. These include transcribing interviews, analyzing large datasets, and automating routine reporting. They also tailor news content to audience preferences.

He stated that AI offers tremendous potential for news gathering and dissemination. These innovations allow journalists to focus more on in-depth reporting and storytelling.

However, he raised concerns about AI-generated content leading to fake media production. This content can be hard to distinguish from authentic material.

To maintain credibility in the age of AI, Mr. Dwumfour emphasized proactive strategies and ethical standards. Greater media literacy among practitioners and the public is also essential.

He discussed the 2025 World Press Freedom Index released by Reporters Without Borders. Ghana dropped from 50th place with a score of 67.13% in 2024 to 52nd place with a score of 67.71% in 2025.

Mr. Dwumfour expressed concern over security rankings as well. Ghana fell from 72nd place in 2024 to 86th place in 2025, with scores dropping from 82.94% to 78.93%.

These details show declining press freedom performance in Ghana, he said. This should serve as a wake-up call for all stakeholders involved.

He revealed that there were already eleven cases of assaults on journalists recorded in February 2025 alone. He described this situation as alarming for Ghana’s democratic credentials.

Mr.Dwumfour urged the government, civil society, and media fraternity to work together for press freedom and journalist safety while exploring AI's transformative power responsibly.