National Chairman of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, has called on journalists to subject the government’s policies, public spending, and development commitments to sustained scrutiny. He made this statement at the 4th Bono Regional Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Awards held in Sunyani. According to him, the media has a responsibility to hold ministers accountable, examine public expenditure, and track government promises.
Mr Asiedu Nketiah specifically urged journalists in the Bono Region to closely monitor government projects and maintain detailed records of public investments. He noted that there are billions of cedis of public investments underway in Bono and encouraged journalists to keep records of the cost, contractors, timelines, and terms of major projects. This, he said, would enable them to assess whether taxpayers had received value for money.
The NDC National Chairman further called for improved working conditions and greater institutional support for journalists. He argued that better working conditions would enable journalists to perform their watchdog role effectively while building sustainable careers without becoming financially dependent on politicians, businesses, or institutions they cover. He also encouraged politicians to provide journalists with the information needed for accurate reporting.
The awards ceremony was held on the theme: “Ethics, Integrity, and Impactful Journalism, Essential Ingredients for Societal Transformation.” Guest speaker, Vice Chancellor of the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR), Prof Elvis Asare-Bediako, also urged journalists to uphold the principles of ethics, integrity, and accuracy. He described journalism as a form of leadership capable of influencing public opinion, shaping civic behaviour, and inspiring collective action.
Prof Asare-Bediako warned that misinformation could erode 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 in their reporting. According to him, accuracy is the bedrock of trust, and trust is the foundation of transformation.
The awards ceremony recognised outstanding journalists in the Bono Region. Joy News correspondent for the Bono Region, Precious Semevoh, 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.
In his remarks, Mr Asiedu Nketiah cautioned against treating difficult questions as acts of hostility and urged journalists to create an accurate record against which public officials can subsequently be held accountable. He also encouraged journalists to go beyond reporting government announcements to tracking government promises and determining whether they are being fulfilled.
Key points
- Asiedu Nketiah urges journalists to scrutinise government spending and promises.
- Journalists urged to uphold principles of ethics, integrity, and accuracy.
- Improved working conditions called for to support journalists.
