Minister of Information Whips Up Support For The Media
A day’s round table deliberations has been held at the Alisa hotel in Accra spearheaded by the Hon. Minister of Information, Kwadwo Oppong Nkrumah, who also doubles the MP for Ofoase Ayirebi to canvass for support for the Ghanaian media.
The main agenda for the discussion was premised on two main themes ; Media Capacity Enhancement Program and Coordinated Mechanism For Journalists Safety.. Speaking at the ceremony, the minister gave an account of how successive governments and private companies and individuals have made significant contributions to support the work of journalists but more needs to be done.
He indicated that Freedom of the Press is a constitutional requirement granted by our constitution and generally accepted by the people. There’s the need to support and anchor the practice. Ghana he opined has myriad of state and private media outlets as in radio, television, print and online but and all of the seem to have common goal to inform, entertain and education the masses.
He said journalism has thrived all over the world and continues to play a vital role in the lives of nation’s and citizens. He bemoaned the poor working conditions of journalists in Ghana that push them to act unprofessionally sometimes due to economic constraints. The minister highlighted on the efforts being done by his outfit to ensure the safety of journalists by establishing an office at the office of Head of Civil Service for journalists to Lodge formal complaints for quick redress manned by the Media Commission.
He decried the low professionalism in the media landscape and it’s attendant concerns and worries expressed by the populace waning public confidence and trust. However, in spite of these challenges he praised the media for informing the people of government policies and programs to enable the people know and understand issues and be informed accordingly.
The Hon minister urged development partners to come out to support the Ghanaian media who are struggling to live above water as a result of financial and logistical insufficiency. Again he made an appeal for systematic training for the media personnel to be equipped to give off accurate reportage. Building the capacity of the media is of utmost importance and he asked a support in that area too.
In his brief remark, the Chairman of National Media Commission, Mr Yaw Boadu Ayeboafo called on the local financiers to come on board instead of always going out for support. He intimated that it’s when we help our own then the outside world can compliment our effort. He said the safety and freedom of Journalists cannot be sacrificed on the alter of reputation and that no one should exchange journalists safety for his or her image.
The NMC boss called on journalists to be careful not to take unnecessary risk in dangerous adventures. Present were the US Ambassador and her team, Canadian High Commissioner, Stakeholders, MPs and the various media houses.
source: Nana Poku/ johnawuniktv@gmail.com
