The second cohort of the Media Capacity Enhancement Programme has opened in Accra with 60 journalists participating.
The training programme under the theme: EQUIPPING THE MEDIA TO PLAY AN EFFECTIVE ROLE IN OUR NATION BUILDING is aimed at training 140 journalists selected from various media houses across the country on the need for them to demonstrate a high level of professionalism while also focusing on stories that promote national development.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah revealed that about 140 journalists and media practitioners have benefited from the programme since its inception.
He explained that the programme which is one of the Ministry of Information’s media support programmes begun in 2021 and its achievements chalked in training journalists is an indication that the government prioritizes the developmental needs of journalists.
“Our contribution has since then, been to mobilize resources and to urge the stakeholders not to relent in their efforts to continuously identify the training needs, to plan curriculum, and to administer this program. It is your tireless efforts that will contribute to building the media environment that we desire for our democracy,” he continued.
The second cohort training programme will focus on six different journalism modules spread within the four-day intensive training session.
In his address, the Vice Chancellor and chairman of the working committee, Prof Kwamena Kwansah-Aidoo emphasized the need for journalists to exercise professionalism in disseminating information to gain public trust.
Prof Kwansah-Aidoo pointed out that the media is experiencing challenges which have grown increasingly intricate, including the exposure of ethical shortcomings within the Ghanaian media.
He said these range from inaccuracies to indecent content, and instances of violations against journalists, often associated with politically aligned groups.
He noted that these “have contributed to a decline in professionalism, eroding public trust in the media that are supposed to help safeguard not just our democracy but our society and poses a serious concern.”
Prof Kwansah-Aidooo therefore underscored the need for the media to play that pivotal role by prioritizing curating and disseminating precise, pertinent, and impartial information.
He expressed that by providing individuals with accurate insights, the media can empower them to make informed decisions, which in turn can play a significant role in addressing the multifaceted challenges and opportunities they face.
On his part, the President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Mr Albert Kwabena Dwumfour stressed the significance of the theme of the programme in building the capacity of journalists toward professional and ethical delivery.
He urged media practitioners to put much effort into their work to contribute towards development.
“We need to remain relevant and useful to the profession,” he said
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Source: Flora Tang/ATLFMNEWS
