Ghana

Ghana's independent press, reborn after the country's return to constitutional rule in 1991, remains one of the most vociferous and energetic on the continent. In the past, newspapers folded often, only to be resurrected under different names. But in recent years, the print press has stabilized. Twelve papers published regularly this year, but the government controlled the only two national dailies, the Ghanaian Times and the Daily Graphic.

Numerous outdated laws are frequently used to harass the press. Many journalists are prosecuted under Section 185 of the penal code, a hold-over from the colonial era which makes libel a criminal offense.

The government-controlled Ghana Broadcasting Corporation radio reaches most of the 10 million citizens who own radios. While previously the only television station in the country was government-owned, private broadcasters have now received station licenses and 15 private radio stations broadcast in urban areas.