National Democratic Congress (NDC) Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia has emphasized the crucial role of journalists in ensuring government accountability. Speaking at the fourth Bono Regional Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Awards in Sunyani on September 19, 2026, he urged journalists to track government promises and examine public spending. According to him, this is essential for assessing whether development commitments are translating into tangible benefits for citizens.
Mr. Asiedu Nketia stressed that effective scrutiny should not be viewed as an attempt to undermine the government but as a vital component of democratic governance. He encouraged journalists to base their reports on verified facts, regardless of whether the outcome favors or embarrasses a particular political party. This approach, he believes, will ensure that the public receives accurate information.
The NDC Chairman challenged journalists in the Bono Region to go beyond reporting the commissioning of government projects. He encouraged them to follow up and determine whether these investments are providing value for money. With billions of cedis invested in public projects in Bono, he urged journalists to document the cost, terms of contracts, and deadlines for completion.
Mr. Asiedu Nketia also called on journalists to investigate delays, failures, and challenges associated with public projects. They should establish where responsibility lies and report on successful projects so citizens can know what has been achieved. This, he believes, will enable the public to reconstruct what happened to major development commitments in the future.
The NDC Chairman appealed to politicians and public officials to make relevant information available to journalists. He urged them to refrain from interpreting critical questions as attacks, noting that sometimes these questions are essential for accountability. He also called for better working conditions for journalists, arguing that media organizations require adequate resources to retain experienced professionals and undertake investigative work.
The fourth Bono Regional GJA Awards brought together journalists, traditional leaders, public officials, and stakeholders to recognize outstanding journalism. The event provided a platform for discussing the importance of ethics, integrity, and impactful journalism in societal transformation. Mr. Asiedu Nketia's remarks underscored the significance of collaboration between journalists, politicians, and the public in promoting transparency and accountability.
Key to promoting high professional standards in journalism is ensuring the sustainability of serious journalism. Mr. Asiedu Nketia emphasized that journalists must be able to pursue sustainable careers without becoming financially dependent on the politicians, businesses, or institutions they are expected to scrutinize. This, he believes, is crucial for maintaining effective regional newsrooms and undertaking investigative work.
Key points
- Journalists should track government promises and examine public spending to ensure accountability.
- Effective scrutiny of government actions is a vital component of democratic governance.
- Journalists must have better working conditions to retain experienced professionals and undertake investigative work.
