The Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) has expressed concern over what it describes as troubling signs for press freedom and delays in key governance reforms under President John Dramani Mahama’s administration.
In its one-year assessment report released on Thursday, February 19, the civil society organisation said the government has not yet fulfilled important promises aimed at expanding civic space and strengthening accountability mechanisms.
CDD-Ghana criticised the administration for failing to begin the repeal of what it termed “anti-press freedom laws,” warning that the current environment points to a growing climate of fear and intimidation.
The group also cautioned that the repealed criminal libel law may be resurfacing indirectly through the use of the “publication of false news” provision in the Criminal Offences Act. According to the report, cases that appear to be civil defamation matters are increasingly being handled as criminal cases involving state security agencies.
“This is concerning because defamation matters must be tackled through civil action taken by respective aggrieved persons, whether they are public officials or not,” the report stated.
CDD-Ghana argued that the involvement of security agencies in such disputes is “undesirable” and risks gagging citizens while shrinking civic space. It warned that the development could discourage investigative journalism and whistleblowing if not urgently addressed.
On anti-corruption efforts, the think tank acknowledged the government’s transition from the National Anti-Corruption Action Plan (NACAP I) to a new framework — the National Ethics and Anti-Corruption Action Plan (NEACAP). It described the move, particularly the decision to place the new framework under the Office of the President, as commendable and potentially impactful.
However, the organisation stressed that implementation remains key.
“The proof will be in implementation,” the report noted, cautioning that challenges that weakened NACAP I — including underfunding and limited political will — must be decisively addressed.
CDD-Ghana further pointed to delays in passing the Conduct of Public Officers Bill, a major legislative proposal intended to regulate conflicts of interest, asset declaration and ethical standards in public office.
Although the government has launched a Code of Conduct for Appointees, CDD-Ghana maintained that the absence of a binding legal framework means a key campaign promise remains unmet.
The latest assessment adds momentum to ongoing public debate about the administration’s performance on transparency, media freedom and institutional reform.
CDD-Ghana is urging authorities to accelerate legislative reforms, protect press freedoms and ensure that the new anti-corruption framework is properly funded and backed by strong political commitment.
