World Press Freedom Day : Embrace AI to improve your work – V/R minister

The Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, urged media professionals and technology stakeholders to work together. He emphasized the need for collaboration to ensure Artificial Intelligence (AI) supports press freedom in Ghana.

Mr. Gunu delivered his keynote address at the World Press Freedom Day 2025 event. This took place at the Ho Press Centre. He highlighted the importance of regulating AI in journalism with transparency and accountability.

The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) organized the event. It brought together media practitioners, government officials, civil society actors, and journalism students. The global theme this year was “Reporting in the Brave New World: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media.”

In his speech, Mr. Gunu praised the GJA for its commitment to media excellence. He recognized journalists' vital role in upholding democracy.

“It is both an honour and a privilege to stand before you today,” he said. He admired their dedication to press freedom in the region.

Mr. Gunu acknowledged that AI has transformed the media landscape. It can analyze large datasets and identify misinformation effectively. AI enhances investigative journalism and democratizes access to information.

However, he warned about potential dangers of misused AI. Risks include deepfakes, algorithmic bias, and over-automation in content moderation. These threats could undermine editorial independence and public trust.

“In this brave new world,” he cautioned, “press freedom faces dual threats.” Traditional censorship challenges exist alongside new technological dangers.

To tackle these issues, Mr. Gunu proposed a three-point framework for responsible AI use:

1. Transparency – Newsroom AI tools must be scrutinized for bias.
2. Ethical Guidelines – Establish clear ethical standards for using AI.
3. Journalist Protection – Update legal mechanisms to protect media workers from threats.

He noted these priorities align with the government's digital transformation agenda already underway.

Mr. Gunu outlined several government initiatives aimed at digital inclusion:

- Investment in Digital Infrastructure for fair access to tools and connectivity.
- Capacity-Building Programs to help journalists use AI responsibly.
- Public–Private Partnerships with tech firms to combat misinformation while preserving freedom.
- Youth Engagement Initiatives empowering young journalists and innovators.

“These interventions reflect our broader commitment to accountability,” he affirmed. “As we embrace AI, we must also reinforce mechanisms that hold power accountable.”

In closing, Mr. Gunu called for action: “Let us recommit ourselves to ensuring that AI serves as a beacon of truth.” He celebrated journalists who continue protecting democracy amid technological changes.

The event served as a timely reminder of the evolving role of media today and the urgent need to safeguard its freedom amidst automation and digital transformation.