Threats against reporters reduce cocaine trade coverage in Ghana

Threats against journalists have trimmed media reporting on Ghana's cocaine trade, the Global Organized Crime Index reveals in its country assessment. Surveyors noted reduced coverage of drug trafficking precisely because reporters confront intimidation and violence when probing sensitive topics. The study links this shrinkage directly to safety concerns rather than lack of interest, citing documented cases where journalists investigated drug networks faced severe attacks. While Ghana's constitution protects press freedom, the report finds a restrictive legal framework enables state and non-state actors to harass journalists. This climate affects not only drug coverage but also investigations into political vigilantism and corruption that threaten ordinary citizens. Civil society organisations working on drug rehabilitation also encounter government pressure despite their public service role. Journalists continue to operate, but many self-censor to avoid retaliation in investigations that could expose traffickers. The assessment concludes that without safer conditions for investigative reporting, Ghana loses critical oversight of transnational drug networks operating within its borders.