Ghana becomes first African country to contribute to Global Media Fund – President Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has announced that Ghana has become the first African nation to make a financial contribution to the International Fund for Public Interest Media (IFPIM) — a move he described as a demonstration of Ghana’s strong belief in the vital role of independent journalism and credible information.

He said the gesture underscores Ghana’s conviction that “independent journalism and reliable information are indispensable public goods.”

“The time has come for all of us to translate our shared ideals into tangible action — to demonstrate genuine commitment to supporting public interest media and safeguarding the integrity of information. Together, we must win — and we will win — the global war against misinformation and disinformation,” the President said.

President Mahama made these remarks at the High-Level International Conference on Information Integrity and Independent Media held on October 29, 2025, in Paris, France.

President Mahama also announced Ghana’s decision to become a full member of the Partnership for Information and Democracy, further demonstrating the country’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and open governance.

“This decision has been officially communicated through the appropriate diplomatic channels, affirming Ghana’s unwavering commitment to the principles of transparency, accountability, and open governance. Our landmark decision sends a clear message to the international community — that Ghana remains steadfast in advancing the frontiers of freedom, upholding the rule of law, and serving as a model nation in promoting democracy and good governance,” President Mahama said.

Expressing satisfaction with the outcomes of the conference, he highlighted several key achievements, including:

-The endorsement of the Paris Declaration on Multilateral Action for Information Integrity and Independent Media, reaffirming global commitment to free, independent, and pluralistic information ecosystems

-Renewed political and financial pledges to replenish the International Fund for Public Interest Media, with a goal of raising €130 million between 2026 and 2028 to support independent journalism worldwide;

-The establishment of a Consultative Committee to strengthen coordination among states, civil society, and the Forum for Information and Democracy

-A shared global understanding that defending truth must be a sustained, collective effort that transcends national and institutional boundaries.