Ghana
Freedom at a Glance
Global Freedom
80 / 100
Free
Internet Freedom
65 / 100
Partly Free
Since 1992, Ghana has held competitive multiparty elections and undergone peaceful transfers of power between the two main political parties, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP). Although the country has a relatively strong record of upholding political rights and civil liberties, discrimination against women persists, and LGBT+ people face widespread discrimination, intimidation, and violence. There are some weaknesses in judicial independence, key governance institutions, and the application of the rule of law. Corruption and public service delivery present challenges to government performance. Politically motivated violence remains a concern.
Research & Recommendations
Ghana
Free
80
100
| PR Political Rights | 35 40 |
| CL Civil Liberties | 45 60 |
Last Year's Score & Status
80
100
Free
Global freedom statuses are calculated on a weighted scale.
See the methodology.
Overview
Since 1992, Ghana has held competitive multiparty elections and undergone peaceful transfers of power between the two main political parties, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP). Although the country has a relatively strong record of upholding political rights and civil liberties, discrimination against women persists, and LGBT+ people face widespread discrimination, intimidation, and violence. There are some weaknesses in judicial independence, key governance institutions, and the application of the rule of law. Corruption and public service delivery present challenges to government performance. Politically motivated violence remains a concern.
Freedom in the World 2024 Policy Recommendations
Provide steady support and flexible funding to those on the front lines of the struggle against tyranny.
Democratic governments and donors must increase and sustain support for those working to defend and promote fundamental freedoms around the world. Failure to do so emboldens autocrats and can result in the loss of hard-won progress.
Uphold the rights of people living in disputed territories.
The events of the past year in places such as Nagorno-Karabakh and the Gaza Strip provided stark evidence that populations without self-determination are at greater risk of extreme human rights abuses or atrocities.
Protect free and fair elections in 2024.
At least 40 countries are holding national-level elections in 2024, and many more will conduct other types of balloting. Free and fair elections are a cornerstone of any democracy, and independent and transparent electoral processes are necessary to foster genuine competition and public trust.
Ghana
Partly Free
65
100
| A Obstacles to Access | 15 25 |
| B Limits on Content | 27 35 |
| C Violations of User Rights | 23 40 |
Last Year's Score & Status
64
100
Partly Free
Scores are based on a scale of 0 (least free) to 100 (most free).
See the research methodology and report acknowledgements.
Overview
Internet users in Ghana enjoy an information space that is largely free from technical censorship. However, the government is poised to vote on draft legislation which would criminalize online and offline activities that portray LGBT+ relationships in a positive way. If enacted, internet service providers (ISPs) and website owners may proactively remove content to avoid being held liable for posts which support LGBT+ activities. Individuals increasingly risk arrest for posts related to the president or the police, and online journalists face an increasing risk of harassment and assault for their critical reporting.
Freedom on the Net 2023 Policy Recommendations
Promote freedom of expression and access to information.
Freedom of expression online is increasingly under attack as governments continue to restrict connectivity and block social media platforms and websites that host political, social, and religious speech. Protecting freedom of expression will require strong legal and regulatory safeguards.
Defend information integrity in the age of AI.
Even before the new wave of generative artificial intelligence (AI) products, AI was a key factor in the crisis of information integrity, serving as an intensifier in environments that were already vulnerable to manipulation. However, advancements in generative AI will supercharge the creation and dissemination of false and misleading content.
Combat disproportionate government surveillance.
Governments worldwide have passed increasingly disproportionate surveillance laws, and can access a booming commercial market for surveillance tools, giving them the capacity to flout the rule of law and monitor the private communications of individuals inside and beyond their borders.
Election Watch for the Digital Age equips technology companies, civil society organizations, and policymakers with a data-driven resource for evaluating the human rights impact of internet platforms on a country’s electoral process.
Our Election Vulnerability Index consists of key election-related indicators regarding a country’s political rights and internet freedom. Derived from our annual Freedom in the World and Freedom on the Net reports, the data and accompanying analysis allows users to identify specific areas of concern ahead of a country’s election, including online influence operations, internet shutdowns, or intercommunal tensions fanned by social media.
Previous Reports: 2024
News and Updates
Featured
Freedom House Perspectives
News Releases & Media Coverage
Country Facts
Basic Facts
Global Freedom Score
80
/ 100
Free
Internet Freedom Score
65
/ 100
Partly Free
Population: 33,480,000
Internet Facts
Status
Partly Free
Networks Restricted
No
Social Media Blocked
No
Websites Blocked
No
Pro-government Commentators
Yes
Users Arrested
Yes
Election Facts
Status
Currently Tracking
Date of Election
December 7, 2024
Type of Election
General
Internet Penetration
69.80%
Election Year
2024
Vulnerability Index
78
/ 100
Transnational Repression
Status
Not Tracked