The Member of Parliament for Weija-Gbawe and Second Deputy Minority Whip, Jerry Ahmed Shaib, has called for urgent and stronger protections for journalists, warning that democracy cannot survive without a free and independent media.

Delivering a statement on the floor of Parliament to commemorate World Radio Day, Hon. Shaib urged government to create a more enabling environment for media institutions to operate without fear, intimidation, or arbitrary interference.

“Democracy dies without media freedom,” he stressed, noting that a fearless and vibrant press remains the backbone of accountability and transparency in governance.

According to the Weija-Gbawe lawmaker, safeguarding press freedom is not a privilege but a constitutional necessity. He emphasized that journalists must be protected and empowered to carry out their duties independently in order to strengthen Ghana’s democratic system.

Hon. Shaib also turned attention to media owners, encouraging them to invest meaningfully in newsroom development. He called for continuous professional training, ethical standards enforcement, and improved logistical support to enhance fairness, accuracy, and integrity in reporting.

In addition, he advocated forward-looking legislation that would firmly entrench protections for radio broadcasting and shield media practitioners from undue pressure. He described radio as a cornerstone of public discourse and civic engagement, particularly in communities where it remains the most accessible source of information.

World Radio Day is celebrated annually to recognize the vital role radio plays in informing, educating, and empowering citizens worldwide.