The Minister for Information, Fatimatu Abubakar has emphasised the media’s crucial role in the governance system as the fourth estate and stressed the need for quality and effective journalism in Ghana.
She called on journalists to therefore uphold professionalism in their work and contribute to Ghana’s national development.
She was speaking at the official launch of the 3rd cohort of the Media Capacity Enhancement Programme (MCEP) on August 22, 2024, at the Press Centre of the Ministry of Information
The programme, first introduced in 2021, is designed to improve the capacity and professionalism of media practitioners across the country.
The MCEP focuses on addressing the media’s capacity challenges to position it to play its role effectively as the fourth estate in the country’s governance system.
The programme, which was first launched in Kumasi in January 2022, seeks to achieve the following key objectives: ensuring qualitative and effective reportage, promoting professionalism in media conduct, holding public officials accountable, and encouraging specialization in fields such as education, health, and sports to deepen understanding
Hon. Abubakar expressed gratitude to the various institutions that have supported the initiative, including the National Media Commission (NMC), the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), and the Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA), among others.
She also acknowledged financial support provided by organizations like the Ghana Commission for UNESCO, the Chinese Embassy, the Volta River Authority, and MTN Ghana Ltd.
She assured that the Ministry of Information will continue to secure funding for the implementation of subsequent trainings.
The 3rd cohort of the MCEP will be held from September 10 to 13, 2024, at the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC) in Accra.
A total of 100 participants are expected to benefit from the training, with 40 participating in-person and 60 joining online.
Media practitioners across the country are invited to apply for the programme from August 23 to 29.
“The training will cover ten modules, and media houses are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to enhance the skills of their personnel,” the Minister urged.
Over 100 media professionals have already benefited from previous MCEP sessions, which were developed and managed by an independent working committee.
She stated that the recognition of the media sector is not just a personal accolade but a call to action and that media practitioners are expected to be key players in promoting transparency and accountability in society.
