Professor Kwame Karikari is one of Africa’s most respected voices in media freedom, journalism education, and democratic advocacy. He is the founder and former Executive Director of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), a leading regional organization championing freedom of expression, media rights, and democratic governance across West Africa.
A seasoned academic, Professor Karikari served for several years as a professor of journalism and mass communication at the School of Communication Studies, University of Ghana. His work in academia has not only shaped generations of Ghanaian journalists but has also influenced journalism education across the continent. He has led and facilitated journalist training programs in numerous African countries, helping to build ethical, professional, and resilient media ecosystems.
Before entering academia, Professor Karikari had a distinguished career as a journalist. He served as Director-General of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) in the early 1980s and has worked in various editorial capacities throughout his career. His journalism has been guided by a deep commitment to public service, accountability, and the role of media in shaping informed societies.
Beyond journalism and academia, Professor Karikari is a passionate human rights advocate and social justice activist. He has been at the forefront of major democratic reforms in Ghana and across Africa, working to advance civil liberties, media freedoms, and accountable governance. He continues to serve on the boards of several African and international human rights organizations, as well as on the editorial boards of respected academic journals.
Professor Karikari was educated in the United States, earning degrees from City College of New York and Columbia University. His scholarship, activism, and public engagement have earned him widespread recognition as a thought leader in media development and democratic transformation in Africa.