Sulemana Braimah, the executive director of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) has expressed worry at the state of the Ghanaian media under the current Akufo-Addo-led administration.
Braimah said the media has largely been compelled to become docile in recent times, a development that does not promote the growth of democracy.
“A largely docile and plaint media such as what the Ghanaian media have been compelled to become under the Akufo-Addo government is not the kind of media that help democracy to thrive. Such a media landscape weakens rather than strengthen democracy,” Braimah posted on Facebook.
Preserve Ghana’s unity and stability
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II on Monday admonished the media to help preserve the peace, unity and stability of the country by discharging their responsibilities diligently..
Speaking at the official opening of the maiden media capacity enhancement programme at the Manhyia Palace, the Asantehene said: “It is my hope that improving the understanding of our practitioners will contribute to the enhancement of the quality of the media and diminish the source of concerns we have today.”
“Let me conclude with a fervent appeal to the media, to all our journalists and media owners, you all have a duty to protect and preserve the unity and stability of our country, in the face of all the turmoil in the world, you are proud because you can point to your country with pride and its stability and increasing success.”
“A challenging moments it has been but it is so for us to follow the Methodist hymnal and count our blessings, count them one by one and we will know what the Lord has done for ua. That knowledge should inspire us to persevere, to work hard to douse conflict, work hard to forge unity and generosity of heart,” the Asantehene added.
Reduce political tension
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II also called on media to facilitate consensus building in a bid to lessen political tension in the country.
“Never mind where the momentum of politics maybe leading, the peace and stability of our nation must be inviolable, the media will be doing a great service to the nation and indeed to humanity if they can create an environment which encourages consensus building to lower the causes of tension within the body politics.”
“Members of the media should be conscious when they are practising as professionals and when they come to politics,” he said.
Capacity programme
At least 250 selected journalists are set to benefit from a media capacity enhancement programme (MCEP) annually paid for by the Ministry of Information.
The programme is expected to provide continuous in-service training for media personnel drawn from across the country in order to improve their skills for the industry.
Fred Dzakpata
Asaase Radio 99.5 – tune in or log on to broadcasts online
Follow us on Twitter: @asaaseradio995
#AsaaseRadio
#TheVoiceofOurLand
#GreenGhana
#WeLoveOurLand
