Media practitioners in the country have been urged to work with government towards alleviating the current economic challenges that threaten the livelihoods of Ghanaians.
According to President Nana Akufo-Addo, the current economic situation required the involvement of all stakeholders to ensure interventions introduced by government to restore economic recovery become successful.
To this end, he reiterated the government’s commitment to promoting press freedom to enable journalists to play their critical role as gatekeepers of society.
This was contained in a statement delivered on his behalf by the Presidential Advisor on Media and Strategic Communication, Oboshie Sai Cofie, at this year’s Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Awards night in Accra on Saturday.
The event which was on the theme “Walking the Path towards Ghana’s Economic Recovery: The Role of the Media”, saw more than 30 media personalities and organisations awarded for their stellar performance and contributions to industry growth in 2021.
“All hands must be on deck to battle economic challenges that threatens our livelihood. The media, which is a critical arm of our democracy has a crucial role in supporting efforts to restore economic normalcy,” President Akufo-Addo noted.
He said the government recognises the important role of the media in advancing economic development and pledged government’s support towards enhancing media freedom in the country.
The role of the media, he explained, was a priority by the government in the search for solutions to the challenges that confront the nation.
President Akufo-Addo charged the media to continue to disseminate government policies to inform the public as well as amplify the views of the public as feedback for government to help build consensus.
He said the government would continue to champion press freedom and promote safe working conditions to enable the work of the media in Ghana.
President of GJA, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, further noted the positive role of the media in finding solutions to the current economic challenges.
He, therefore, called on media practitioners and organisations to support the economic recovery process without abandoning their watchdog mandate.
Supporting the process, he explained, required that the media hold the government to strict fiscal discipline and ensure that the government manages the national resources well.
Mr Dwumfour further asked the government to revive the Presidential Media Engagement to enable the President interact with the media frequently on pertinent national issues as part of ensuring accountability and transparency.
He said the GJA would roll out a number of activities including lecture series, symposia and forums to address issues of national concern.
He indicated that the Association would also organise more training programmes for members to build their capacity and to promote high professional standards as well as undertake initiatives to address the welfare needs of members.
