Muheeb Saeed: A fallen pillar in campaign for media freedom

Muheeb Saeed: A Champion for Media Freedom

In the ongoing fight for media freedom in Ghana and Africa, Muheeb Saeed's contributions were significant. His recent passing is a great loss to the media community. We honor his memory by continuing the struggle for media freedom and expression.

I first met Muheeb in 2019 at a ceremony organized by the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA). It was held at the Ghana International Press Centre in Accra for World Press Freedom Day. When it was time for speeches, he was introduced as a representative of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA).

Muheeb approached the podium looking unassuming and without notes. I thought to myself, “Who is this?” I recognized other speakers but not him. Perhaps he was just delivering a message from someone else.

However, once he began speaking, I was stunned. His voice was firm and his language articulate. He demonstrated deep knowledge about media freedom issues without needing a prepared speech. I realized then that appearances can be deceiving.

Afterward, I engaged him in conversation, and we became friends. Together, we worked on various projects advocating for media freedom.

A Silent Worker

Working with Muheeb revealed his dedication to his work. As Programme Manager at MFWA, he focused on research and detail. He consistently tracked issues related to media freedom.

His articles provided profound insights into these topics both in Ghana and beyond. At an international level, particularly in West Africa, he made significant contributions to promoting media rights.

In November 2024, we met again in Addis Ababa during an event marking the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists. His fluency in French allowed him to engage effectively with francophone countries.

Until his death on March 31, 2025, Muheeb contributed to discussions on constitutional review processes related to media rights.

A Great Loss

Muheeb had an admirable character; he was humble and respectful. Many colleagues praised his kindness during a memorial ceremony at MFWA offices on April 11, 2025.

Prof Kwame Gyekye discusses moral personhood in African ethics. He explains that being called ‘onipa’ means being human or good-hearted. In this context, Muheeb exemplified what it means to be a true person through his positive traits.

While in Addis Ababa together after our activities one day, Muheeb shared stories about how the city transformed from slums into modern skyscrapers within years.

Yet now we mourn how a strong advocate for media freedom has been silenced by death.

Farewell, comrade.

The writer is Kofi Yeboah, General Secretary of the Ghana Journalists Association and communications lecturer at Wisconsin International University College.