The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) in the Bono Region, represented by regional executives and several members, recently extended a congratulatory visit to the newly appointed Bono Regional Minister, Mr. Joseph Addae Akwaboa. The visit also served as an expression of gratitude for the Minister’s participation in the World Press Freedom Day celebration. Madam Regina Bennet Siaw, acting President of the Bono GJA, affirmed the media’s commitment to supporting the Minister’s efforts in fostering peace and development within the region. She emphasized the GJA’s dedication to collaborating with Mr. Akwaboa in achieving the government’s “reset agenda,” a program aimed at revitalizing and refocusing national priorities. This initial interaction established a foundation for future cooperation between the regional government and the media.
Mr. Akwaboa welcomed the GJA delegation and expressed his sincere appreciation for their visit and their pledged support. He assured the journalists of his open-door policy, emphasizing his willingness to engage in continuous dialogue and collaboration to advance the region’s development agenda. Recognizing the vital role of the media in shaping public perception and influencing investment decisions, the Minister stressed the importance of responsible journalism. He encouraged the journalists to highlight the positive aspects of the Bono Region, showcasing its potential and attracting investors. He cautioned against the dissemination of negative narratives, which he believed could deter potential investors and hinder the region’s economic growth.
A key concern raised during the meeting was the escalating impact of citizen journalism and blogging, particularly regarding the proliferation of fake news. Mr. Imoro T. Ayibani, the Bono Regional Director of the Information Services Department and a GJA member, brought this issue to the Minister’s attention. He highlighted the challenges posed by the unchecked spread of misinformation through these platforms. In response, Mr. Akwaboa called upon the GJA and the National Media Commission, the regulatory body for media practice in Ghana, to implement measures to address the issue of fake news and promote accurate and responsible reporting. He emphasized the need for a collaborative approach to safeguard the integrity of information disseminated to the public.
Beyond the issue of fake news, Mr. Akwaboa solicited the media’s support in tackling several critical challenges confronting the Bono Region. He specifically identified illegal mining, illegal logging, and the disruptive activities of nomadic cattle herders as areas requiring concerted efforts. He acknowledged the media’s influence in raising public awareness and mobilizing action against these illegal activities. By partnering with the media, the Minister aimed to leverage their reach and impact to combat these threats to the region’s environment, security, and sustainable development. The Minister’s appeal highlighted the need for a multi-pronged approach involving government agencies, civil society organizations, and the media to address these complex and interconnected issues effectively.
The GJA delegation, led by Madam Regina Bennet Siaw, comprised key members of the regional chapter, including Fiifii Ofosu-Okyere, Johnny Sam Arthur, Imoro T. Ayibani, and Daniel Y. Dayee. Their presence underscored the GJA’s commitment to engaging with the regional government and collaborating on development initiatives. The meeting between the GJA and the Regional Minister demonstrated a shared understanding of the importance of open communication and collaboration between the government and the media in driving the region’s progress. It also laid the groundwork for future partnerships in addressing critical issues and achieving shared goals for the Bono Region.
This initial interaction between the Bono Regional Minister and the GJA represents a promising start to a cooperative relationship. By establishing open communication channels and acknowledging the respective roles of government and the media, both parties have signaled their intention to work together towards the betterment of the Bono Region. The discussions held during the meeting have identified key areas for collaboration, including promoting responsible journalism, combating the spread of fake news, and addressing critical challenges such as illegal mining, logging, and nomadic herding. The commitment expressed by both the Minister and the GJA to ongoing engagement and mutual support suggests a positive trajectory for future collaborations in pursuit of the region’s development objectives.
