The Executive Secretary for the Private Newspaper and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG), Mr. Jeorge Wilson Kingson, has stressed the importance of building the capacity of Ghana’s media to safeguard the country’s democracy.
He made the remarks while delivering an address at the opening of the 3rd cohort of the Ministry of Information’s Media Capacity Enhancement Programme (MCEP) at the University of Media, Arts and Communications on Tuesday, September 10.
“This is essential for safeguarding our democracy, supporting informed decision making and fostering public trust in the media,” Mr. Kingson said.
He noted that while the media plays a critical role as the fourth estate of the realm in Ghana’s governance system by educating, informing and entertaining the public, it currently faces significant capacity challenges that can hinder its effectiveness and ethical performance of these roles.
“It is in response to these challenges that the media capacity enhancement program has been repackaged and enhanced,” noted Mr. Kingson.
The PRINPAG executive secretary explained that the MCEP “is a comprehensive approach to empowering our media practitioners by providing continuous pre service and in service training.”
He added that the programme “will equip reporters, editors, producers and media owners with the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to excel in their roles.”
Mr. Kingson further stated that the MCEP “will also enhance the operational capabilities of media institutions, ensuring that they can support quality journalism that upholds the principles of accuracy, fairness and responsibility.”
The launch of the 3rd MCEP cohort is indicative of the Ministry of Information’s commitment to fostering a robust and professional media needed to safeguard Ghana’s democracy.
Participants are embarking on a 3-day learning program with the charge to uphold the highest ethical standards and use their skills to objectively inform the public and contribute to national development.
Source: Isaac Donkor Distinguished || modernghana.com