The Minister of State in charge of Government Communications and Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has commended the Ghanaian media for their role in entrenching the country’s democracy.
Ghanaian media, he noted, has been very vibrant in making successive governments accountable to the people and that the Mahama administration will work closely with the fourth estate of the realm towards the progress of the country.
“We also look forward to sustaining all the gains that have been made in the democratic space over the years, at least since 1992.
“We know that the Ghanaian media is vibrant, it is critical, and it is one of the most vital areas in the world, not just in Africa, and we are happy to work hand-in-glove with you to ensure that this momentum is sustained,” the Minister stated.
Mr Felix Kwakye Ofosu lauded the media when he addressed members of the Private Newspapers and Online Publishers Association (PRINPAG) at a two-day training workshop organised by the Bank of Ghana (BoG) in Ada, in the Greater Accra Region on Saturday, January 24, 2024.
Government, he indicated, is deeply concerned about some of the challenges that the media face.
“In recent times, there have been some regrettable attacks on some journalists, and it is a matter that we are having strong resistance to, and we will do whatever it takes to address it.
“We do know that there are many who act as part of the state machine who do not readily appreciate the importance and the role of journalists. There are some who see journalists as a nuisance because of the way they go around for information and insist on demanding accountability.
“There are some within the state apparatus, especially the security services, who perceive this as a nuisance and do not see why a journalist should be holding them to answers related to their work. So often they express annoyance, and it is a condemnable and deplorable situation.
“The President has asked me to liaise with the leadership of the security agencies to organize a series of forums that bring the leadership of the media, both print and electronic, together with the leadership of the security services, so that we find a way to reorient members of state agencies who are fond of doing this, for them to appreciate the role of the media,” Mr Felix Kwakye announced.
Challenges facing print media
The Minister in charge of government communications acknowledged the challenges facing both private and public print media as they struggle in light of the advent of social media.
He pledged the support of the government to ensure the newspapers maintain their relevance in the country.
“We appreciate, as a government, that the print media is going through a lot of challenges. In the past, information went straight to the print media space. What you got was what the electronic media did. The advent of digital platforms has changed that. Regrettably, in the last few years, the advent of social media has caused a major challenge.
“You are an umbrella body of mostly print media, and we know that over the years you have worked hard to sustain our democracy by providing announcements to keep our people informed, calling government after government after government to account through the way that we do the work.
“We are happy to maintain healthy relations with you to ensure that this common objective is kept afloat,” the minister assured.
President John Dramani Mamaha, he noted, recently went around some state-owned media to support them.
“It is a challenge and the president is committed to helping state print media regain its place and dominate the space again.
“I think it is useful to have a similar plan for the private print media, especially in the printing space, so that you are able to stand on your feet and continue to spread the message,” Mr Felix Kwakye further assured.
