The Minister for Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has indicated that the government is keen and committed to institutionalising the media support programs that it has reviewed.
This, he said, would only be successful with the regular interest, participation, and collaboration of the sector stakeholders. Emphasising the Ministry’s ethos on this subject, he said, “No single individual or group in this sector can tackle the issues we face on their own. Our collaboration is what will lead to success”.
The minister was speaking at the Stakeholder Review Forum held yesterday, November 7, 2023, in Accra. The forum brought together key media stakeholders, government representatives, and media practitioners and managers to deliberate on government support for the sector and what more government can do to assist the industry.
According to him, the government has conducted a comprehensive review of its media support programmes to ensure these programmes align with the evolving needs of the media industry.
The Minister for Information, who opened the forum, emphasised the critical role that the government’s media support programmes play in strengthening democracy in the country.
“The public communications sector, which includes the media, is a major sector in our democratic and governance exercise, and that’s why it has become prudent to constantly support the media through these programs,” the Minister noted.
He said this recognition has led to the development of essential programmes aimed at supporting and enhancing the media sector.
He detailed the five key programmes that have been in operation for the past three years. These programmes he said, include the Coordinated Mechanism for the Safety of Journalists, the Media Capacity Enhancement Programme, collaboration to contain egregious media content, campaigns against misinformation, and industry support through global partnerships.
Stakeholders from various media-related organizations, including the National Media Commission (NMC), Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA), and Private Newspaper Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG), were present.
They engaged in discussions and shared their insights on the achievements, challenges, and future directions of these programs. The forum provided an opportunity for open dialogue, and participants actively raised questions, offered comments, and provided recommendations on the key issues discussed.
Minister Oppong Nkrumah emphasized the government’s commitment to strengthening the democratic landscape through continued support for the media sector.
“Our collaboration is what will lead to success,” he reiterated, highlighting the importance of collective efforts in achieving the sector’s goals.
Also present at the forum were the Member of Parliament (MP) for Bortianor-Ngleshie Amanfro, Vice Chairperson of the Communications Committee, Sylvester Mattew Tetteh, and Ranking Member of the Committee, Samuel Nartey George, who is also MP for Ningo-Prampam, Professor Audrey Gadzekpo, and other well-known media practitioners and managers.
