Dr Harrison Kofi Belley, a Lecturer at Ho Technical University and Governance and Communication Analyst, has urged Ghanaians to protect media freedom to consolidate the country’s fledgling democracy.

He also urged citizens to use legal processes to address grievances against the media rather than taking the law into their own hands.

“A free press has and continues to advance the cause of democracy in Ghana. Let’s protect the freedom of the media to consolidate our fledgling democracy,” he said.

Dr Belley made the call in a statement to commemorate the International Day of Democracy, themed: “When Every Voice Counts, Democracy Delivers.”

He said democracy formed the foundation of free societies worldwide, adding that the commemoration reminded all citizens why democratic values mattered and how they could be strengthened in communities.

Dr Belley said the global observance, established by the United Nations in 2007, provided an opportunity to reflect on democratic progress and challenges.

He noted that whether citizens participated in local elections, volunteered in their communities or simply stayed informed about civic issues, understanding democracy’s role helped build stronger societies for all.

He said the commemoration also served as both a celebration and a call to action, highlighting democratic achievements while addressing threats that undermined fair representation and citizen participation worldwide.

Dr Belley called on the Government to take concrete steps to enhance the country’s democratic systems for the benefit of its citizens.

He said the 2026 commemoration marked an important milestone in Ghana’s democratic journey, with more than three decades of sustained democracy under the Fourth Republic as the country entered the stage of consolidation.

He congratulated Ghanaians and the three arms of government – the Executive, Judiciary and Legislature – on the achievement and the substantial progress made in the country’s democratic governance system.

He said popular support for democracy in Ghana had increased over the years, as evidenced by various rounds of Afrobarometer surveys.

“As one of Africa’s touted democracies, Ghana prides itself on having held nine successful elections, four of which led to alternations of executive power,” he said.

Dr. Belley, however, noted that notwithstanding the achievements, significant gaps remained within the political system that could lead to democratic reversals.

He said while Afrobarometer data indicated that a majority of Ghanaians supported regular, open and honest elections, a key indicator of a good democracy, there was growing concern about the rising cost of elections, both elective and administrative.

He said the rising cost of elections placed undue strain on political inclusion and, ultimately, the country’s democracy.