Journalists from all walks of the Ghanaian media gathered at the Alisa Hotel, Ridge, Accra last night for an evening with Nana Akufo-Addo at which he reflected on both his role and that of the media in advancing Ghanaian democracy in recent decades, and particularly since 2000.

Editors from almost every newspaper attended the event, together with the news editors of radio news programmes and the producers and presenters of radio and television talk shows.

Speaking of the struggle for democracy in which he played a pivotal role, the NPP flagbearer commended the Ghanaian press for the tenancy and skill with which they took up the role as one of the most important outlets for public expression. In particular, he highlighted how the private media have used the opportunity provided by the repeal of the Criminal Libel Law, which he was instrumental in achieving as Attorney General.

Testament to the era of immense freedoms ushered in by the NPP government, is the unprecedented flourishing of both newspapers and radio stations in recent years, with the number of newspapers rocketing from just 30 in 2000 to 128 in June 2008. As President, Nana pledged to protect and defend the freedoms which have produced such a stimulating and lively media scene in Ghana, and advance this by passing the Right to Information Act which will mark a new high in the rights and freedoms enjoyed by all Ghanaians. He also entreated the media to join with him in doing everything possible to ensure that peace and stability prevailed during this year's elections.