Chapter 12 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana places a solemn responsibility on the media to educate the public by upholding the principles and objectives of the Constitution, promoting democratic accountability and maintaining high professional standards.
Over the years, Ghana has witnessed remarkable media pluralism, marked by a vibrant and diverse media landscape, comprising hundreds of radio stations, television channels, newspapers and online news platforms.
Following the repeal of the Criminal Libel Law in 2001, the media space expanded significantly, increasing access to information and strengthening freedom of expression.
Indeed, Ghana is arguably among the countries with the highest number of radio stations per capita in the world.
This growth has greatly enhanced the dissemination of information and the constructive expression of opinions, thereby consolidating the country’s democratic credentials and positioning Ghana as one of the leading democracies in Africa.
According to the National Communications Authority (NCA) Fourth Quarter Report for 2025, Ghana currently has 784 authorised FM radio stations operating across the country.
These comprise 565 commercial stations, 159 community stations, 31 public stations, 24 campus stations and five foreign public stations.
The NCA further reports that there are 132 television stations currently broadcasting in Ghana.
Beyond radio and television, Ghana also boasts a vibrant print media landscape with dozens of newspapers and journals.
Though the exact number fluctuates, recent reports indicate that between 42 and over 130 print publications exist across the country, including daily and weekly newspapers.
Available records further suggest that at least 70 newspapers and journals were officially registered as of 2023, while 136 publications were recorded in 2007.
This reflects the depth and diversity of Ghana’s media environment.
While this achievement is commendable, The Chronicle believes the media landscape is falling short in one critical area: sustained citizenship education. This worrying development has become a sad commentary on our national discourse.
Ordinarily, institutions such as the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) and the Information Services Department (ISD) should be leading the charge in civic and citizenship education.
Unfortunately, these institutions appear to be underfunded, thereby constraining their ability to effectively execute their constitutional mandates.
Today, Ghanaian streets are increasingly littered with waste and illegal mining continues to devastate water bodies and forest reserves, while indiscipline and disregard for civic responsibility are becoming pervasive in society.
In many instances, the pursuit of money appears to have overtaken respect for human life, environmental sustainability and national values.
The Chronicle acknowledges that some media houses, including JoyNews and Citi News, continue to dedicate airtime and resources towards educating the public on national issues such as illegal mining, environmental degradation and governance concerns. Their efforts deserve commendation.
However, much more remains to be done. The media must go beyond politics and sensationalism to consciously shape national attitudes and behaviours. Citizenship education should become a deliberate and sustained component of media programming.
More airtime must be devoted to educating the public on issues such as the dangers of galamsey, proper sanitation practices, the need to report suspicious activities to the police, the consequences of illegal electricity and water connections and the importance of obeying the laws of the land.
Media education must also aim at countering unconventional and un-Ghanaian lifestyles that are increasingly being copied from social media platforms.
The growing influence of digital culture, particularly among the youth, is gradually eroding important societal values such as discipline, modesty, respect for authority, honesty and communal responsibility.
While social media remains an important tool for communication and innovation, its negative influence must not be allowed to redefine Ghanaian cultural and moral values.
A nation cannot develop sustainably when civic responsibility is weak. We further believe that citizenship education should not be left to the media alone.
Institutions such as the Ghana Education Service (GES), the Christian Council of Ghana, the Office of the National Chief Imam, Muslim organisations and civil society groups must complement the efforts of the media by instilling discipline, patriotism and responsible behaviour, particularly among the youth.
Young people must be taught that illegal mining, internet fraud, drug abuse and other irresponsible lifestyles are not pathways to success, but avenues that could ultimately destroy their future and undermine national development.
The state must also prioritise adequate funding for the NCCE and ISD to enable them intensify public education campaigns across the country. A society that neglects citizenship education risks breeding indiscipline, lawlessness and social decay.
The Chronicle believes media pluralism should not merely increase the volume of information in the public space; it must also deepen civic consciousness, national responsibility and ethical conduct among citizens.
That is the true test of a mature democracy.
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