{
  "id": 17908631,
  "title": "Without the media, there is no democracy – Major (rtd) Don-Chebe",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/03/without-the-media-there-is-no-democracy-major-rtd-don-chebe",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-03T04:26:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
    "slug": "myjoyonline-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.myjoyonline.com/without-the-media-there-is-no-democracy-major-rtd-don-chebe/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former Ghanaian military officer and former Director-General of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), Major (retired) Albert Don-Chebe, emphasized the pivotal role of the media in maintaining democracy. He stated that without the media, there is no democracy, and the well-being of any democratic system can be judged by the freedom of the media in that society. This statement came during the second edition of the Upper West Regional Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Awards ceremony held in Wa, Ghana. The event, focused on the theme \"Upholding Media Excellence: Promoting Ethical Journalism, Accountability, and Regional Development,\" honored seven distinguished journalists and media practitioners for their significant contributions to the profession.\n\nMajor Don-Chebe, who presided over the event, expressed concerns about Ghana's position on the media freedom index but noted that the situation was gradually improving. He anticipated that Ghana would return to the esteemed ranks it once held, when it was among the top 25 countries with the freest media worldwide. To foster commitment and excellence among journalists, he viewed events like the awards ceremony as instrumental. The General Secretary of the GJA, Dominic Hlordzi, echoed the importance of such initiatives, highlighting that they promote excellence, healthy competition, and elevate professional standards within the media. The GJA President's representation, Mr. Hlordzi, believed that acknowledging outstanding journalists aligns with the association's mission to promote professionalism, reward responsible, ethical, and impactful journalism, and contribute to the region's development.\n\nHlordzi also stressed the necessity for journalism to extend beyond merely reporting events to covering the concerns, aspirations, and development priorities of communities. He urged journalists in the region to intensify coverage on critical sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, sanitation, youth development, and tourism. This focus, he argued, would draw national attention to the region's development needs and opportunities. Additionally, he called on journalists to amplify the voices of underrepresented communities, ensuring that duty-bearers address issues affecting their welfare.",
  "summary": "Major (rtd) Albert Don-Chebe, former Director-General of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), has described the media as the foundation of democracy because it safeguards and promotes democratic governance and accountability.",
  "key_points": [
    "Major Albert Don-Chebe asserts media is indispensable for democracy.",
    "Ghana's media freedom index position improving, aiming for top 25.",
    "GJA awards ceremony highlights excellence in journalism."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Recognizing media excellence through regional awards serves as a strategic effort to restore Ghana's global standing and ensure journalists prioritize the developmental needs of underrepresented local communities.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}