The Minister for Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has highlighted the pivotal role of the government’s media support programs in enhancing democracy.
He underscored the importance of the public communications sector, particularly the media, in the democratic and governance processes of Ghana and emphasized the government’s commitment to continuously support the media through various essential programs, acknowledging their significant contribution to the nation’s democratic credentials.
Speaking at a Stakeholder Review Forum on Media Support Programs in Accra on Tuesday, Mr. Oppong Nkrumah emphasized the necessity for these initiatives.
He said, “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 elaborated on the five key programs that have been operational over the past three years, detailing how these initiatives have played a crucial role in strengthening the country’s democratic foundations.
He emphasized the evolution of the Ministry of Information, which, as the official mouthpiece of the government, has adapted to support the public communications ecosystem in Ghana.
The Stakeholder Review Forum provided a platform to assess the impact of these media support programs, reaffirming the government’s commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and democratic values in the country. Oppong Nkrumah’s address highlighted the government’s continuous efforts to bolster the media sector, fostering a robust democratic environment in Ghana.
Detailing the five programs, the Minister 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, themed ‘Assessing the Impact of the Media Support Programsmes,’ 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 allowed 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.