The Africa Coalition for Academic Freedom (ACAF) has held a one-day training workshop for Ghanaian media professionals to equip them with the tools to advocate for academic freedom.
The workshop brought together key players in the media landscape to deepen their understanding of ACAF’s mission and explore collaborative strategies to defend academic freedom, an essential pillar of democracy, human rights, and sustainable development. The training session covered a range of critical topics, including an exploration of the concept of academic freedom and its relevance in democratic societies.
The Media’s Role in Advancing Academic Freedom
Prof. Appiagyei-Atua, Regional Director of ACAF and a lecturer at the University of Ghana School of Law, centered his presentation on the central role of the media in promoting academic freedom across Africa. He explained that academic freedom is not limited to university campuses—it extends to all learning and knowledge-producing institutions.
“Knowledge is produced in classrooms, through research, and in the media,” he noted. “That knowledge must be protected and allowed to thrive if we are to solve societal problems and support democratic development.”
According to him, ACAF actively monitors and documents cases that affect academic freedom and uses this data to shape advocacy strategies. “We realized the need to engage journalists directly because much of the information we rely on originates from the media. It’s important that media professionals understand how their work supports the broader academic ecosystem.”
Prof. Appiagyei-Atua stressed the strong link between academic freedom and press freedom, stating that both are rooted in freedom of expression. “Where one is under threat, the other is likely to follow. That’s why our efforts must be connected.”
He further explained the theoretical and legal underpinnings of academic freedom, touching on the different generations of human rights: civil and political rights, economic, social and cultural rights, and collective rights. Academic freedom, he argued, sits at the intersection of these.
He said rights such as the freedom of assembly or speech are often termed “negative rights” because they require non-interference from the state, while rights like education or healthcare are “positive rights” because they require the state to allocate resources.
“Academic freedom,” he said, “cannot be realized without a robust educational infrastructure, which makes it both a civil liberty and a social right.”
He also discussed how international law connects with domestic legal systems. “In the international system, we have treaties, customary law, and soft law,” he explained.
“Academic freedom may not always be explicitly codified in every treaty, but it is recognized through its connection to other rights, like the right to education, participation in cultural life, and freedom of expression.”
He referenced the 1990 Kampala Declaration on Intellectual Freedom and Social Responsibility, describing it as a pivotal document for academic rights in Africa. “It laid the groundwork for how we understand academic freedom on the continent. We’re currently revisiting and updating it to reflect new challenges.”
He highlighted challenges facing academic freedom in Ghana, including government interference in university governance. “Under Article 70 of the 1992 Constitution, the President appoints members to university governing councils. However, this contradicts Article 195, which grants such appointment powers to the institutions themselves. This undermines institutional autonomy.”
Prof. Appiagyei-Atua revealed that ACAF is engaging with the Ministry of Education on this issue and plans to submit a formal petition. “We must revisit how university councils are constituted if we truly want to protect academic freedom,” he emphasized.
Calls for Media-Academic Collaboration
Lecturer and media practitioner at the Ghana Institute of Journalism (UNIMAC-GIJ), Zakaria Musah Tanko, also underscored the importance of training journalists to understand the principles behind academic freedom and their implications for democracy.
“Journalists are not just storytellers—they are educators and watchdogs,” he said. “When they understand the value of academic freedom, they can help defend it, especially when it comes under threat from political or institutional forces.”
He encouraged journalists to report more deeply on issues affecting academic environments, such as censorship, political interference, and restrictions on research. “A free academic environment fosters innovation and national development,” he added.
He also called for stronger collaboration between journalists and academics, saying, “Both groups are truth-seekers. We must learn from each other and defend the spaces that allow us to question, to learn, and to grow as a society.”
Strengthening Journalism for Impact
Mr. Kofi Yeboah, General Secretary of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), urged journalists to go beyond surface-level reporting and focus on in-depth, analytical storytelling. “Too often, we leave stories hanging after the initial coverage,” he said. “But the real value lies in follow-up—tracking developments, staying connected to your sources, and digging deeper.”
He stressed that context is critical, particularly on sensitive issues like academic freedom. “The context brings clarity,” he said. “We must frame stories within the appropriate environments to reveal the real issues and their implications.”
Mr. Yeboah also noted that motivation and support are key to sustaining quality journalism. “Professional development, access to information, and recognition are crucial. A motivated journalist is more likely to push boundaries and hold power accountable.”
The Media-Academic Partnership
The Executive Secretary of the Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA), Gloria Hiadzi, reiterated the importance of media involvement in defending academic freedom. She said increasing threats to free expression across the continent make media-academic collaboration essential.
“We are witnessing the questioning of basic freedoms across Africa,” she said. “This session gave us the chance to reflect on the freedoms we sometimes take for granted and why they must be protected.”
She described academic freedom as the bedrock of innovation and intellectual progress. “Without it, censorship prevails, stifling our ability to solve real problems.”
Hiadzi also stressed the importance of responsible journalism: “Freedom of expression includes the right to express inconvenient or provocative views. But it must be exercised truthfully, respectfully, and with awareness of its impact.”
She encouraged scholars to communicate in everyday language to make research more accessible. “We need scholars to break down complex ideas so the public can understand the issues. That’s how we build a truly informed society.”
A Collective Mission
Mr. Jeorge Wilson Kingson, Executive Secretary of the Private Newspaper Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG), expressed appreciation to ACAF for involving private online news publishers.
“This groundbreaking movement seeks to champion academic freedom, protect intellectual autonomy, and fortify the democratic fabric of our continent,” he said.
Mr. Kingson emphasized that academic and press freedoms are interconnected. “We must never forget that both freedoms reinforce each other in the service of truth and justice.”
He urged journalists to let the training shape how they frame stories and pursue their work. “The media has the power not just to inform but to reform. It is our duty to use that power responsibly and fearlessly.”
He also called on editors and publishers to support the advocacy. “They play a crucial role in amplifying the coalition’s mission. We are committed to using our platforms, voices, and networks to make academic freedom a national priority.”
In the end, the participants examined how academic freedom intersects with freedom of expression and press freedom. The workshop also unpacked legal frameworks that protect academic freedom and introduced practical approaches to advocacy and building strategic partnerships.
By Isaac Kofi Dzokpo/newsghana.com.gh
