National Chairman of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, has stated that the government must be prepared to face sustained scrutiny over its policies, spending, and development promises. He made this statement at the 4th Bono Regional Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Awards in Sunyani. According to him, ministers should answer legitimate questions, public expenditure should be examined, and government commitments should be tracked to determine whether they are being delivered.
Asiedu Nketiah urged journalists to hold ministers accountable, examine public expenditure, and track government commitments. He emphasized that journalists in the Bono Region, in particular, should closely monitor public projects and maintain detailed records of government investments. There are billions of cedis of public investments underway in Bono, and he encouraged journalists to keep records of the cost, contractor, timelines, and terms of major projects.
The National Chairman of the NDC also called for improved working conditions and greater institutional support for journalists. He stated that media organisations must have the resources to employ and retain competent professionals, investigate stories, and maintain strong regional newsrooms. Better conditions would help journalists perform their watchdog role effectively and build sustainable careers.
Asiedu Nketiah further urged politicians to provide journalists with the information required for accurate reporting and not regard difficult questions as hostility. He added that journalism should not end with reporting government announcements but should also provide an accurate record against which public officials can be held accountable.
The awards ceremony had 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, urged journalists to uphold the principles of ethics, integrity, and accuracy. He described journalism as a form of leadership capable of influencing public thought and shaping civic behaviour.
Prof Asare-Bediako warned that misinformation could undermine public trust and encouraged journalists to verify facts and sources before publication. He also urged journalists to resist sensationalism and prioritise public interest, fairness, and balance. The awards recognised outstanding journalists in various categories, including Precious Semevoh, who was adjudged the Best Journalist in Climate Change and Green Transition Reporting.
The overall Bono Regional Best Journalist of the Year 2025 award went to Lawrence Yeboah Gyan of Wisdom FM for his work in children’s advocacy, health, and medical care. Asiedu Nketiah’s call for scrutiny and better working conditions for journalists is a significant development in Ghana’s media landscape, highlighting the importance of a free and independent press in holding those in power accountable.
Key points
- Asiedu Nketiah urges government to expect scrutiny over policies, spending, and development promises.
- Journalists urged to hold ministers accountable and track government commitments.
- Improved working conditions and institutional support for journalists called for.
