United Press for Development Network

03/05/2026

*PRESS STATEMENT*
*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*

*UNITED PRESS FOR DEVELOPMENT NETWORK (UPDN) COMMEMORATION OF WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY 2026*

The United Press for Development Network (UPDN) joins the global community in commemorating *World Press Freedom Day 2026*, observed annually on May 3rd, under a renewed call to safeguard journalism and uphold the fundamental principles of press freedom.

This year’s observance comes at a critical moment. According to the 2026 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders, global press freedom has reached its *lowest level in 25 years*, with more than half of all countries classified as having “difficult” or “very serious” conditions for journalism. These alarming metrics highlight increasing political pressure, economic constraints, legal intimidation, and growing threats to the safety of journalists worldwide.

*Ghana’s Performance – A Positive Trajectory*
UPDN commends the Republic of Ghana for its notable progress in the 2026 rankings. Ghana has climbed from *52nd to 39th position globally*, and now ranks *4th in Africa*, reflecting a significant improvement in the country’s media landscape. This achievement reinforces Ghana’s long-standing reputation as one of Africa’s most vibrant democracies, with a pluralistic media environment that supports diverse voices and public discourse.

This upward movement is commendable and demonstrates the impact of sustained democratic governance, civil society advocacy, and the resilience of Ghanaian journalists.

*Room for Improvement*
However, UPDN emphasizes that this progress, while encouraging, must not lead to complacency. Persistent challenges remain, including:

* Incidents of intimidation and attacks against journalists
* Politicization and ownership concentration within the media space
* Economic vulnerabilities affecting independent journalism
* The need for stronger legal protections and enforcement mechanisms

The global decline in press freedom serves as a cautionary backdrop, reminding Ghana and all nations that gains can be fragile and must be continuously safeguarded.

*Call to Action*
UPDN calls on:

* *Government institutions* to strengthen legal frameworks that protect journalists and ensure accountability for violations.
* *Media organizations* to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, and independence.
* *Civil society and citizens* to actively defend press freedom as a cornerstone of democracy and development.

As we mark World Press Freedom Day 2026, UPDN reaffirms its commitment to promoting a free, independent, and responsible media ecosystem in Ghana and beyond. A free press is not merely a democratic ideal—it is a necessity for transparency, accountability, and national development.

*About UPDN:*

_United Press for Development Network (UPDN) is an organization dedicated to promoting press freedom, media development, good and transparent governance, economic, environmental/climate change and sustainable development across Africa. Through capacity building, advocacy, and networking, UPDN empowers journalists and media organizations to uphold professional standards, foster governmental accountability, and advance public interest._

Signed
*Kelvin Malor*
(National Organizer)
024-599-5541

*David Albert Quainoo*
(South Korea Coordinator)
+82-10-2117-4780

*Rev. Betty Boafo*
(Secretary)
024-487-0055

*Eric Nana Prekoh*
(Media Relations Coordinator)
024-646-0428

*William Hayford Mintah*
(Central Region Coordinator)
024-476-6538

*Frank Darlington Heymann*
(International Relations Coordinator)
0245414948

…………………………..
*Rev. Kofi Asante Mensah*
*(President)*
*Tel: 024-469-0262*
*Office: 0302-965-325*

*End of Statement*

20/03/2026

16/01/2026

*PRESS STATEMENT*

*UPDN MARKS 7TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MURDER OF INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALIST AHMED HUSSEIN-SUALE; DEMANDS JUSTICE AND AN END TO IMPUNITY*

_Accra, Ghana – 16 January, 2026_

The United Press for Development Network (UPDN) joins journalists, civil society organizations, and lovers of democracy across Ghana and beyond to mark the 7th anniversary of the brutal murder of investigative journalist Ahmed Hussein-Suale, who worked with Tiger Eye Private Investigations (PI) under renowned journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas.

Seven (7) years after Ahmed Hussein-Suale was gunned down in cold blood by unknown assailants in Madina, Accra, the Ghanaian state has failed to secure justice. No one has been conclusively held accountable. No gunman has been identified. No conviction has been secured. This failure represents a grave indictment of our justice and security systems.

Ahmed Hussein-Suale was murdered because he dared to do his job to expose corruption and wrongdoing in the public interest. His killing was not just an attack on one journalist; it was an attack on press freedom, democratic accountability, and the constitutional right of Ghanaians to know the truth.

UPDN states, without equivocation, those seven years of silence, delay, and inconclusive investigations amount to institutional injustice. Justice delayed in this case is justice denied not only to Ahmed’s family, but to the entire Ghanaian media fraternity and the nation at large.

We are deeply troubled that:

- The identities of the gunmen remain unknown;
- Investigations have produced no decisive outcome;
- Public confidence in the protection of journalists continues to erode;
- The culture of impunity for crimes against journalists persists.

This unacceptable situation sends a dangerous message that journalists who expose corruption can be killed without consequence. This must not be allowed to stand.

*OUR DEMANDS*

On this solemn anniversary, UPDN demands the following actions with urgency:

1. A full, transparent, and independent review of the Ahmed Hussein-Suale murder case, incorporating modern forensic and digital investigative methods.
2. The re-examination of all leads, with special focus on identifying and apprehending the unidentified gunmen who carried out the assassination.
3. Independent forensic support, including ballistic, telecommunications, and CCTV analysis, with international collaboration where necessary.
4. Regular public updates from investigative authorities to restore confidence and demonstrate seriousness.
5. Concrete policy and legal measures to protect journalists and punish incitement and violence against media practitioners.

*A CALL TO THE STATE*

The Government of Ghana, the Ghana Police Service, and the Attorney-General’s Department must recognize that inaction in this case is complicity by neglect. Ghana’s democratic credentials and international reputation on press freedom depend on how this case is handled.

We remind the authorities that crimes against journalists do not expire with time. The law, morality, and conscience demand that this case be pursued until justice is achieved.

*REMEMBERING AHMED HUSSEIN-SUALE*

Ahmed Hussein-Suale’s courage, sacrifice, and commitment to truth will not be forgotten. His death must not be reduced to an unresolved statistic. His legacy must be justice, not impunity.

_UPDN reaffirms its unwavering commitment to:_
- Press freedom
- Journalist safety
- Accountability
- Democratic governance

We will continue to speak, to demand, and to mobilize until justice is done.

Justice for Ahmed Hussein-Suale is justice for journalism.

Justice delayed must not become justice buried.

*About UPDN:*

_United Press for Development Network (UPDN) is an organization dedicated to promoting press freedom, media development, good and transparent governance, economic, environmental/climate change and sustainable development across Africa. Through capacity building, advocacy, and networking, UPDN empowers journalists and media organizations to uphold professional standards, foster governmental accountability, and advance public interest._

Signed
*Kelvin Malor*
(National Organizer)
024-599-5541

*David Albert Quainoo*
(South Korea Coordinator)
+82-10-2117-4780

*Rev. Betty Boafo*
(Secretary)
024-487-0055

*Eric Nana Prekoh*
(Media Relations Coordinator)
024-646-0428

*William Hayford Mintah*
(Central Region Coordinator)
024-476-6538

*Frank Darlington Heymann*
(International Relations Coordinator)
0245414948

…………………………..
*Rev. Kofi Asante Mensah*
*(President)*
*Tel: 024-469-0262*
*Office: 0302-965-325*

25/11/2025

25/11/2025

Mo de mi ko...

With hearts full of gratitude, we say thank you to you all for your support and participation.

Forever, walk on golden paths.
May the lines fall for you in pleasant places.
May your farm lands be blessed.
May your homes be blessed.
May your hearts be at peace.
May your joy never run out.

Look out for a fantastic right here soon.

AKLO BI AKLO 🐊

22/11/2025

21/11/2025

Watch!!! Profile of Finalists: GRAND FINALE OF MISS YILO 2025 tonight at Havana Complex Somanya.