Why “Silenced Twice” Matters: Reflections Ahead of RightsCon 2026
Across Africa, the conversation around press freedom is becoming increasingly urgent. From growing restrictions on journalists to shrinking civic space, concerns about the future of free expression continue to mount. Yet, beneath this broader crisis lies a deeper, often overlooked reality—the voices of persons with disabilities are being pushed even further to the margins. For Dr. Joseph Kobla Wemakor, a distinguished Ghanaian human rights advocate, journalist, and development communicator, this is not just a policy issue. It is a matter of justice, inclusion, and representation. In a recent interview on Africa In Perspective, a programme on Lagos-based Radio Now 95.7 FM, Dr. Wemakor painted a compelling picture of what is at stake. Speaking ahead of a major global engagement, he warned that the decline in press freedom across parts of Africa is not only undermining democracy but also deepening inequality. “The media is a vital tool for accountability and truth,” he said. “...