Minister for Information Kojo Oppong Nkrumah has underscored the indispensable role of government’s media support programmes in bolstering democracy in the country.
He therefore reiterated government’s commitment to strengthening the democratic landscape through continued support for the media sector.
In line with this, the Minister highlighted five key programmes that have been in operation over the past three years and how these programmes have contributed in strengthening the country’s democratic credentials.
“The public communications sector which includes the media is a major sector in our democratic and governance exercise and that’s is why it has become prudent to constantly support the media through these programmes,” he noted.
Mr. Oppong Nkrumah stated these when he addressed a ‘Stakeholder Review Forum on Media Support Programmes’ in Accra yesterday.
He emphasized the significance of the public communications sector, including the media, in the democracy and governance of the nation, which has led to the introduction of these essential programmes.
He pointed out that the Ministry of Information, serving as the official mouthpiece of the government, has evolved over the years to support the public communications ecosystem in the country through these five programmes.
Detailing the five programmes, Mr Oppong Nkrumah outlined them as the Coordinated Mechanism for the Safety of Journalists, Media Capacity Enhancement Programme, collaboration to contain egregious media content, campaigns against misinformation, and industry support through global partnerships.
The Forum, which was on the theme: “Assessing the Impact of the Media Support Programmes,” brought together key media stakeholders, including the National Media Commission (NMC), Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA), Private Newspaper Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG), as well as media practitioners and managers.
During the forum, the programmes implemented by the Ministry were presented, highlighting their key achievements, challenges, and the way forward. The event also featured open discussions among stakeholders, including representatives from media organizations, government bodies, and academia.
Participants were given the opportunity to ask questions, make comments, and provide recommendations on various issues discussed.
This forum underscored the vital role that media support programs play in promoting democracy and fostering a healthy information ecosystem in Ghana.
Gov’t Reviews Media Support Programmes
Government has conducted a comprehensive review of the Media Support Programmes to ensure these programmes align with the evolving needs of the media industry.
The Stakeholder Review Forum brought together all key media stakeholders to deliberate on government support for the sector and what more government can do to assist the industry.
It provided an opportunity for open dialogue, and participants actively raised questions, offered comments, and provided recommendations on the key issues discussed.
Present at the Forum were the Member of Parliament (MP) for Bortianor-Ngleshie Amanfro, and Vice Chairperson of the Communications Committee, Sylvester Matthew Tetteh; and Ranking Member on the Committee, Samuel Nartey George who is also MP for Ningo-Prampram; Professor at the Department of Communication Studies of the University of Ghana, Professor Audrey Gadzekpo and other well-known media practitioners and managers.
