“I am pleased to announce that Ghana is ready and ever prepared to host the 3rd African Media Convention. I must state that the Government of Ghana has given us their commitment and full assurance that it will support the hosting of this event, just as it did in 2018 when Accra hosted Global Press Freedom Day, which is recognized by UNESCO as one of the best commemorations so far”
Mr. Albert Dwumfour, President of Ghana Journalists Association
In solidarity with the national journalists association, the Deputy Ambassador and staff from the Ghana High Commission in Zambia, participated in the country’s announcement of its readiness to host the 3rd African Media Convention in 2024, after a three day African Media Convention held in Lusaka Zambia, from 11-13 May 2023.
During the three-day discussions, media stakeholders expressed deep concern on continued violations against freedom of the press, access to information and the safety of journalists, despite thirty (30) years since the UN General Assembly proclaimed May 3rd as World Press Freedom Day and 75 years since the declaration of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Recalling the important role of media, the Zambian Minister of Information and Media and Chief Government Spokesperson Hon. Chushi Kasand called on the African media to provide accurate and factual information underlining “this is what will empower you to participate in the affairs of your countries and the continent at large”
Through its communication policies, strategies and practices, the African Union supports journalists’ rights to seek, receive and impart information. It recognizes that media plays a key role in ensuring full respect of freedom of expression, in promoting the free flow of information and ideas, in assisting people to make informed decisions and in facilitating and strengthening democracy.”
Ms Wynne Musabayana, Head of Communications, Information and Communications Directorate, African Union Commission
To address these challenges, participants recommended enhanced collaboration between the African media, African Union Member States, UNESCO, internet intermediaries and other media development partners, to mitigate the effects of violation against journalists and media workers as well as the viability of the media sector in Africa.
The role of the media within the communication and ICT sector and the growing support from media partners for Agenda 2063 has already been acknowledged by the AU-Specialised Technical Committee on Communication and Information Communications Technology. There is a call to further build the capacity of the African media practitioners and the industry at large, in partnership with media development partners and Tech companies.
In her closing remarks, Dr. Rita Bissonauth, Director of UNESCO Liaison to AU and UNECA applauded the Government of Zambia and the organisers for successfully hosting the 2nd African Media Convention.
“The discussions on important issues contributing to enhanced freedoms for the offline and online media in Africa, coupled with the challenges and opportunities identified, will be a reference for our work and future interventions in promoting further an enabling media environment on the African continent”
Dr. Rita Bissonauth the Director of UNESCO Liaison to AU and UNECA
The 2nd African Media convention was largely funded by UNESCO through its Multidonor Programme for freedom of expression and the safety of journalists and its regular programme.
UNESCO greatly appreciates the additional support provided by the African Union Commission by sponsoring the attendance of eight journalists, in addition to hosting the convention’s website. We are also grateful to WAN-IFRA-Women in Media, the European Union and the Government of Zambia for the financial contribution and participation.