Ghana to become first African contributor to international media fund

President John Dramani Mahama has announced that Ghana will become the first African nation to make a financial contribution to the International Fund for Public Interest Media (IFPIM). He made the declaration at the closing ceremony of the High-Level International Conference on Information Integrity and Independent Media held in Paris, France.

The event brought together heads of state, media leaders, and global policymakers to discuss solutions to the growing threat of misinformation and the decline of independent journalism. President Mahama said Ghana’s contribution demonstrates the country’s belief that reliable information and free media are essential public goods needed to protect democracy and social progress.

He explained that by supporting the IFPIM, Ghana is reaffirming its commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and the integrity of public information. The fund aims to provide financial and technical support to independent media organisations worldwide, particularly in developing countries where press freedom is often under threat.

Mahama also urged other nations to move beyond rhetoric and take tangible steps to strengthen information integrity. The Paris conference ended with renewed global pledges to raise €130 million between 2026 and 2028 to help safeguard independent journalism and rebuild trust in public information.