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Paris, France, 29th October,2025: President of the Republic of Ghana, H.E John Dramani Mahama, has stated that the defence of truth must now be a sustained and collective endeavour, transcending national and institutional boundaries. According to him, information integrity is not merely a media concern, but a matter of national security, economic stability, and democratic survival. He emphasized that access to reliable, verified information is a fundamental human right and a prerequisite for peace, justice, and sustainable development. Speaking at the High-Level International Conference on Information Integrity and Independent Media in Paris, France, President Mahama announced the country's formal decision to assume full membership in the Partnership for Information and Democracy. "Ghana’s landmark decision sends a clear message to the international community that Ghana remains steadfast in advancing the frontiers of freedom, upholding the rule of law, and serving as a model nation in promoting democracy and good governance," he said. According to him, the conference had not been about talk alone, but had yielded tangible outcomes, including the endorsement of the Paris Declaration on Multilateral Action for Information Integrity and Independent Media. President Mahama also proudly declared that Ghana will become the first African country to make a financial contribution to the International Fund for Public Interest Media. "This gesture reflects our conviction that independent journalism and reliable information are indispensable public goods," he said. He used the opportunity to remind the global audience that disinformation is not an abstract issue, as it is shaping elections, distorting public health responses, fuelling conflict, and undermining the fight against climate change. According to him, the dawn of Artificial Intelligence, while offering immense opportunities for innovation, also amplifies the risks of misinformation and economic disruption through deepfakes and algorithmic manipulation. The President, therefore, issued a call to action, urging the world to support journalists and institutions that stand for integrity, demand transparency from digital platforms, and strengthen international cooperation to protect information. "Independent journalism is not a luxury; it is a public good. When journalists can investigate freely, societies flourish. When truth is defended, peace is preserved. And when citizens can access reliable information, democracy endures," he stated. President Mahama concluded with a note of hope, stating that through courage, cooperation, and conviction, we can ensure that truth prevails over falsehood and that the light of independent media continues to shine for Ghana, for Africa, and for the world. Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh(#RomeoWrites✍️)/Ahotoronline.com | Ghana 🇬🇭
