National Democratic Congress (NDC) Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia has emphasized the need for greater investment in Ghana's media institutions. Speaking at the 4th Bono Regional Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Awards in Sunyani, he stressed that media organisations require adequate resources to recruit and retain competent journalists. This, he believes, will enable them to uphold professional standards and maintain their independence. Mr Asiedu Nketia noted that journalists must be given the opportunity to build sustainable careers without becoming financially dependent on politicians, businesses or institutions they are expected to scrutinise.
Mr Asiedu Nketia highlighted the importance of regional journalism in Ghana's democracy and development. He argued that the national conversation should not be overly concentrated in the capital, Accra. Instead, he cited the activities of farmers in Dormaa, businesses in Berekum and young people seeking employment in Wenchi as examples of issues that form an important part of Ghana's national story. According to him, developments involving district hospitals, schools, roads and district assembly expenditure may not always emerge from press conferences but remain matters of significant public interest.
The NDC Chairman also urged journalists to go beyond official statements and investigate issues within communities, markets, farms, schools, hospitals and public records. He encouraged them to verify information, conduct investigations and maintain professional newsrooms beyond Accra. This, he believes, will help to ensure that the quality of journalism is closely linked to the working conditions and resources available to media practitioners.
Mr Asiedu Nketia called on politicians to create an environment in which journalists can ask difficult questions without such inquiries automatically being interpreted as hostility. He said politicians should not demand accuracy from journalists while withholding information required for accurate reporting. He further urged public officials to accept difficult questions, noting that such scrutiny could bring to light issues that people within their immediate circles might be unwilling to raise.
The NDC Chairman congratulated the journalists who received awards and encouraged them to protect the professional reputations they build throughout their careers. He said the public eventually recognises journalists who verify facts, understand their subjects and remain trustworthy, particularly when reporting on politically sensitive issues. He described professional reputation as an asset built over many years and urged the award winners and other media practitioners to guard it carefully.
Mr Asiedu Nketia stressed that media sustainability deserves attention to ensure high professional standards. He noted that the sustainability of serious journalism is crucial in maintaining effective newsrooms, particularly in the regions. According to him, media organisations need adequate resources to undertake investigative reporting and maintain professional newsrooms.
The event, organised by the Ghana Journalists Association, brought together journalists and media practitioners from across the Bono region. The awards ceremony recognised outstanding contributions to journalism in the region, with several journalists receiving awards for their exceptional work.
Key points
- Investment in media institutions is crucial for maintaining journalistic independence in Ghana.
- Regional journalism plays a significant role in Ghana's democracy and development.
- Politicians must create an environment that allows journalists to ask difficult questions without fear of reprisal.
