The Federation of African Journalists (FAJ) has renewed its commitment to confronting growing threats to media freedom, journalists’ labour rights and the economic sustainability of journalism across Africa.
The commitment followed a two-day Steering Committee meeting held in Accra from September 17 to 18, 2026, and hosted by the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) with support from KGL Group.
The meeting reviewed the Federation’s continental programmes, approved its financial and audit reports, admitted four new member organisations and adopted a new communication strategy to strengthen the voice of African journalists.
A major decision taken at the meeting was the unanimous selection of Ghana to host the 6th FAJ Continental Congress.
The congress is expected to bring together journalists’ unions and associations from across the continent to determine the Federation’s programme, elect new leadership and strengthen partnerships among member organisations.
As part of the Accra meeting, FAJ leaders also engaged President John Dramani Mahama on issues including media freedom, journalist safety, information integrity and the role of independent journalism in Africa’s democratic development.
Ghana was urged to play a leading role in efforts to address declining media freedom rankings across the continent and promote safer working conditions for journalists.
In his address, FAJ President Omar Faruk Osman said the increasing attacks on journalists, restrictions on media freedom, labour rights violations and economic insecurity required a stronger and more coordinated response from journalists and their organisations.
He also rejected the use of misinformation, disinformation, hate speech or artificial intelligence as justification for censorship.
Instead, Mr Osman called for stronger professional journalism, greater media literacy and firm measures to protect information integrity.
“We leave Accra with renewed determination, stronger mobilisation and a clear sense of direction,” Osman said. “African journalists are confronting profound changes… but we refuse to respond with lamentation. Our answer must be stronger organisation, undeterred movement and a powerful collective voice.”
For his part, GJA President Albert Kwabena Dwumfour placed emphasis on the welfare of journalists, calling for practical measures to improve their safety, professional security and living conditions through closer cooperation among media organisations.
Minister of State for Government Communications Felix Kwakye Ofosu assured the delegates that the Ghanaian government would not tolerate harassment of journalists.
He also reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to promoting media freedom both nationally and across the continent.
The FAJ has subsequently called on African journalists to strengthen solidarity, develop home-grown solutions to challenges facing the profession and continue telling Africa’s stories with independence, courage and integrity.
The decisions reached in Accra are expected to guide the Federation’s activities in the coming months as preparations begin for the 6th FAJ Continental Congress in Ghana.
