The Private Newspaper and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG) has marked World News Day 2025 with a renewed call for collective support to sustain Ghana’s news industry, warning that publishers face mounting challenges that threaten their survival and independence.
In a statement signed by its President, David Tamakloe, PRINPAG extended greetings to Ghanaians on the occasion and underscored the indispensable role news publishers play as “gatekeepers of information, guardians against misinformation and disinformation, champions of diverse views, and defenders of free speech.”
The association noted that without the work of publishers, society risks disorder and weakened accountability.
The statement highlighted the financial difficulties confronting the industry, citing shrinking advertising revenues, rising production costs, and the escalating price of printing materials such as paper and ink.
According to PRINPAG, many advertisers are either cutting budgets, shifting to digital platforms, or demanding lower rates, leaving traditional publishers struggling to sustain operations. “Because media houses depend heavily on ads, this vulnerability threatens sustainability,” the association warned.
Beyond financial pressures, PRINPAG expressed concern over the threats to press freedom, pointing out that journalists and publishers are sometimes intimidated, summoned, or subjected to regulatory actions by state agencies for publishing controversial reports. Such actions, it argued, risk undermining media independence and the democratic space.
While acknowledging these challenges, the association urged the public to celebrate and support the work of the media, whose efforts shape public discourse and hold leaders accountable. PRINPAG commended individuals, businesses, and institutions that continue to invest in the media through advertising and partnerships, saying such contributions are essential to sustaining access to accurate and timely information.
The statement also emphasised the importance of continuous improvement within the profession.
Publishers, it said, must embrace constructive criticism, uphold ethical standards, and adopt technology to modernise their operations and maintain public trust. “As we mark this day, we also recognise the need for constant improvement,” it noted.
PRINPAG called on the government, corporate Ghana, and international donors to invest in the media sector, particularly in capacity building and technology, to ensure a resilient and independent media that can better serve the public interest and strengthen Ghana’s democracy.
World News Day, celebrated globally each year, highlights the significance of journalism in society and the challenges it faces within the industry.
In Ghana, PRINPAG’s call contributes to the growing conversation about securing the future of news publishing in an era of digital disruption, rising costs, and shifting consumer habits.
