Ghana wins bid to host IFPIM Africa HQ

Ghana has successfully secured the hosting rights for the Africa Regional Headquarters of the International Fund for Public Interest Media (IFPIM).

This was jointly announced by Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, and the French Minister of State for Development and International Partnerships, Chrysoula Zacharopoulou, during the Paris Peace Forum in France on Thursday, November 10, 2023.

The move marks a significant milestone in the Ghana’s commit­ment to support press freedom and independence of the media.

Ghana won the bid following a competitive bidding process, having provided a dedicated office for the IFPIM headquarters and pledged to extend diplomatic courtesies to the international staff operating from the Africa Regional Headquarters, to be established in Accra.

The status of the office is expected to mirror that of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) office, showcasing Ghana’s strategic position as a hub for regional initiatives.

The IFPIM, a global coalition supported by governments, philan­thropic organisations, and private companies, aims to address struc­tural challenges facing independent journalism in low- and middle-in­come countries.

The fund seeks to chart a course towards long-term economic resilience for media organisations, contributing to the health and sus­tainability of democratic societies.

It is dedicated to supporting and strengthening independent jour­nalism globally while addressing challenges faced by media outlets in low-and middle-income coun­tries, promoting press freedom and independence.

Speaking to the press after the announcement, Mr Oppong Nk­rumah emphasized the substantial benefits the Ghanaian media would derive from IFPIM’s presence.

According to Mr Oppong Nkru­mah, the fund would bolster Gha­na’s media landscape by providing resources, expertise, and financial grants.

Additionally, he said, the partner­ship with IFPIM would provide capacity building avenues and technical support for local media professionals.

Hosting the Africa Regional Headquarters in Ghana would support the digital expansion of the Ghanaian media, aligning it with the digital evolution of the industry, he said.

This initiative, the minister said aligns with government’s broader efforts to support the Ghanaian media and improve information integrity, a vital component for the proper functioning of democracy.

The Minister emphasized that the government would provide the necessary infrastructure and diplomatic courtesies to ensure the smooth operation of IFPIM in Ghana.

He called on other states within the sub-region to enter similar partnerships with IFPIM and to execute programmes that support public interest media because it is a necessity for democracies to thrive and to flourish.

BY TIMES REPORTER