The government has rejected a Reporters Without Borders (RSF) assessment that says press freedom has declined in the country, calling the findings “deeply flawed” and “misleading,” even as the global watchdog reports worsening conditions worldwide.
RSF’s 2026 World Press Freedom Index ranks the country 76th out of 180 nations, down three places, and cites concerns over political pressure, legal threats and declining media revenues.
While the Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, the report says journalists critical of authorities face intimidation, restricted access to information and financial strain linked to falling advertising income.
It also points to the closure of Stabroek News after 40 years as an example of the pressures facing independent media, alongside wider global trends in which more than half of countries are now classified as having “difficult” or “very serious” press freedom conditions.
RSF warned that journalism is increasingly being constrained through defamation laws, national security provisions and strategic lawsuits against public participation.
Despite what it describes as relatively strong physical safety conditions for journalists, the report highlights concerns about online harassment and political hostility that could affect the long-term sustainability of the media sector.
Government Response
Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister Kwame McCoy rejected the report, saying RSF relies on “outdated and unsupported assumptions” and does not reflect current realities.
He said there is no systemic intimidation of journalists and argued that media workers operate freely across state, private and online platforms.
McCoy said government officials remain highly accessible through interviews, press interactions and public engagements, adding that digital expansion has improved access to information.
He also defended state advertising practices, saying allocations are based on reach and efficiency rather than political bias.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to press freedom, citing ongoing investments in media training, infrastructure and digital connectivity.
