National Chairman of Ghana's governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, has emphasized the need for improved working conditions and stronger institutional support for journalists. He made this statement at the 4th Bono Regional Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Awards in Sunyani. According to him, the sustainability of journalism is crucial and must receive as much attention as the professional standards expected from journalists. This, he believes, will enable journalists to effectively perform their watchdog role.
Mr Asiedu Nketiah highlighted the challenges faced by media organisations, citing the need for adequate resources to employ and retain competent journalists, conduct investigations, and maintain strong regional newsrooms. He particularly stressed the importance of regional journalism, noting that issues affecting communities outside Accra often receive less attention in the national discourse. This, he believes, can be addressed by strengthening regional journalism.
The NDC chairman also emphasized the need for journalists to build respectable careers without becoming financially dependent on politicians, businesses, or institutions they are expected to scrutinise. He believes that if journalists are financially independent, they can maintain high professional standards and provide accurate and unbiased reporting. This, he added, is crucial for the sustainability of serious journalism.
Mr Asiedu Nketiah challenged journalists in the Bono Region to strengthen their monitoring of public projects and expenditure, creating accurate records of development activities. He noted that there are billions of cedis of public investments underway in Bono and encouraged journalists to document the cost, contractors, timelines, and terms of major projects. This, he believes, will enable the public to track the progress of major development commitments.
The NDC chairman urged journalists to return to assess whether projects were completed and whether citizens received value for money. He also stressed that government officials and politicians should expect scrutiny from the media, adding that ministers should answer legitimate questions and public expenditure should be examined. This, he believes, is crucial for holding those in power accountable.
Mr Asiedu Nketiah also urged politicians and public officials to provide journalists with the information needed for accurate reporting, avoiding interpreting difficult questions as hostility. He congratulated the award winners, urging journalists to protect their professional reputations and stressing that credibility is built over time through accurate and independent journalism.
The awards were held under the theme, “Ethics, Integrity, and Impactful Journalism, Essential Ingredients for Societal Transformation.” The guest speaker, Vice Chancellor of the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR), Prof. Elvis Asare-Bediako, described journalism as a form of leadership capable of influencing public thought and shaping civic behaviour.
Key points
- Johnson Asiedu Nketiah calls for improved working conditions for journalists
- Journalists urged to strengthen monitoring of public projects and expenditure
- Media crucial for holding those in power accountable
