By Jones Anlimah
The Volta Regional Minister, Hon. James Gunu, has called for a deliberate, ethical, and inclusive approach to integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into journalism, warning that unregulated technological advances could threaten press freedom and democratic values.
Speaking at the 2025 World Press Freedom Day celebration at Ho in the Volta Region, Hon. Gunu emphasized that while AI offers powerful tools for investigative reporting, content analysis, and combating misinformation, it also poses risks such as deepfakes, algorithmic bias, and the erosion of human editorial judgment.
“This year’s theme, ‘Reporting in the Brave New World – The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media,’ is a timely reminder of the dual challenges we face,” he said. “The question is not whether AI will shape journalism—it already does. The real question is how we ensure it strengthens, rather than undermines, the pillars of democracy,” he added.
The Minister outlined key pillars to guide AI’s integration in media, including transparency in AI systems, ethical frameworks for its use in journalism, and robust protections for journalists against both human and algorithmic threats.
He assured of government’s commitment to an inclusive digital transformation through investments in digital infrastructure, capacity-building for media professionals, public-private partnerships to tackle misinformation, and active youth engagement in the digital media space. “Our goal is a media ecosystem where technology uplifts journalism, empowers citizens, and deepens democratic values,” Hon. Gunu stated.
The event, hosted by the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Volta/Oti Chapter, brought together journalists, media advocates, and stakeholders to reflect on the evolving challenges and opportunities in media freedom amidst technological disruption.
World Press Freedom Day is observed annually on May 3 to highlight the importance of a free press and to honor journalists who continue to uphold truth and accountability in the face of adversity.
