From 1992-2000 In 1992, Ghana promulgated a new constitution, and returned to democratic rule on 7th January 1993. The then ruling government libralized the media by repelling previous laws the PNDC signed in. The private media, which had previously been silenced under the regime for the past decade, used the new press freedom laws to voice criticism at the government of the years of strict laws and published several accusations of violent authoritarianism and drug abuse. The state media however, maintained a favorable image of the government. Furthermore, the government had pledged to uphold Chapter 12 of the Constitution of Ghana, promoting press freedom, responsibility of both private and state outlets and these freedoms to be additional to human rights. A new 15 member National Press Commission (later Ghanaian Media Commission) was created that was independent of government, which would uphold the aforementioned responsibilities.

After the election in 2000 the new government reduced the tensions between the private media and government. The government supported of press freedom and repealed the criminal libel law, though maintained that the media had to act responsibly. The Ghanaian media has been described as "one of the most unfettered" in Africa, operating with little restriction on private media. The private press often carries criticism of government policy. The media were vigorous in their coverage of the 2008 Ghanaian presidential election, and the Ghanaian Journalists Association (GJA) praised John Atta Mills on his election, hoping to foster a good media-government relationship. During a 1999 interview, the GJA described how the media has helped promote democracy in the country: "The press has forced the Government to accept that officials are accountable...It is for us a positive indication that the media of Ghana have made some impact on democracy since the foundation of the 4th Republic."