Government has conducted a comprehensive review of its Media Support Programmes to ensure these programmes align with the evolving needs of the media industry.
The Stakeholder Review Forum held on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, in Accra brought together key media stakeholders, government representatives, and media practitioners and managers to deliberate on government support for the sector and what more government can do to assist the industry.
Minister for Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah who opened the Forum emphasized the critical role that the government's media support programmes play in strengthening democracy in the country.
"The public communications sector, which includes the media, is a major sector in our democratic and governance exercise, and that's why it has become prudent to constantly support the media through these programmes," the Minister noted.
He said this recognition has led to the development of essential programmes aimed at supporting and enhancing the media sector. He detailed the five key programmes that have been in operation for the past three years.
These programmes, he said include the Coordinated Mechanism for the Safety of Journalists, Media Capacity Enhancement Programme, collaboration to contain egregious media content, campaigns against misinformation, and industry support through global partnerships.
Stakeholders from various media-related organizations, including the National Media Commission (NMC), Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA), and Private Newspaper Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG), were present. They engaged in discussions and shared their insights on the achievements, challenges, and future directions of these programmes.
The forum provided an opportunity for open dialogue, and participants actively raised questions, offered comments, and provided recommendations on the key issues discussed.
This, Minister Oppong Nkrumah's emphasized the government's commitment to strengthening the democratic landscape through continued support for the media sector. "Our collaboration is what will lead to success," he reiterated, highlighting the importance of collective efforts in achieving the sector's goals.
Also present at the Forum were the Member of Parliament (MP) for Bortianor-Ngleshie Amanfro, and Vice Chairperson of the Communications Committee, Sylvester Mattew Tetteh and Ranking Member of the Committee, Samuel Nartey George who is also MP for Ningo-Prampam, Professor at the Department of Communication Studies of the University of Ghana, Professor Audrey Gadzekpo and other well-known media practitioners and managers.
