The Minister urged the media in the region to prioritize sensitivity to people’s feelings and avoid sensationalism in their news reporting. He emphasized the importance of the press as the Fourth Estate of the Realm, responsible for upholding democracy and defending the public interest. The Minister highlighted the need for journalists to offer a complete, fair, and accurate account of news events, with the intention to inform and entertain the general public. In Ghana, the role of the media in ensuring peace and security is considered extremely important. This is particularly relevant in light of the rising threats of terrorism from neighboring West African countries and ongoing land and tribal conflicts, such as the Bawku conflict. The minister emphasized the added responsibility of journalists in the Upper East Region to contribute to the maintenance of peace and security in Ghana. He urged the Chairman and executives of the GJA to support the government of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in these efforts across the country. During his speech, he emphasized the significant influence of the media on national security and referred to the United Nations Regional Declaration, which emphasizes the importance of media freedom in fulfilling their crucial role. In addition, Linda Asante Agyei, the National Vice President of the GJA, recognized the relevance of the chosen theme for the awards, given the detrimental impact of conflicts on the development of the Upper East Region. She urged the media in the region to actively contribute to resolving these conflicts. “It is important for media practitioners and institutions to recognize the cardinal purpose of their mandate, which cuts human development and growth. The days of poor journalism, which lured the media into peddling information that only strengthened the fire of conflicts, have long given way to the current era of peace journalism”. William Jalulah, the Chairman of the Upper East Regional GJA, expressed appreciation towards the media for their coverage of conflicts in the Upper East region. He acknowledged that their responsible reporting has played a significant role in pacifying tensions and averting further escalation of the situation. Mr. Jalulah encouraged the media to maintain their responsibility in carrying out their duties and emphasized the adherence to ethical principles in their reporting. He highlighted the significance of accuracy and balance in news coverage, as well as the avoidance of sensationalism and the dissemination of false information. The Upper East Regional GJA Awards, held on October 6, 2023, at GNAT Hall in Bolgatanga, celebrated outstanding achievements in journalism. A total of 19 awards were presented, with 17 awards given to 10 deserving individual journalists and 2 awards bestowed upon 2 radio stations. Additionally, five individuals were recognized for their significant contributions to the media industry and the region’s development. The primary sponsor of the event was WaterAid Ghana, through their SHARE project, in collaboration with Right to Play, FAWE, and FHI 360. These organizations received sponsorship from Global Affairs Canada. The Silas Amoah Foundation, Bolgatanga Municipal Assembly, Afrikids Ghana, Earl International Group (Ghana) Gold Mining Ltd, MTN Ghana, Endswell Pharmacy, Youth Harvest Foundation, VRA/NEDCO, Participatory Action for Rural Development Alternatives (PARDA), and the Widows and Orphans Movement also generously supported. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ghana For publication please kindly contact us on 0256336062 or Email apexnewsgh@gmail.com

Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, the Minister for Information has urged the Police administration to ensure that the attackers of Radio Ada face the full rigors of the law. The Minister was reacting to reports that staff of the radio station was attacked on Thursday by a group of unknown young men following discussions about the Songhor lagoon project in the Greater Accra Region. Speaking to pressmen in Accra, the Minister condemned the attack and asked the Police to ensure that the culprits are held responsible for their actions. “The media are guaranteed the necessary freedoms to go about their work in this country. There is no justification for a group of people to physically attack a radio station and its staff for comments they have made on air. Even, If a party is aggrieved at the comments made, there are legitimate and legal avenues for seeking redress. But such conduct cannot and should not be allowed to go unpunished.” “The National Media Commission or the Courts constitute legitimate places to register displeasure at the conduct of the media if one is unhappy about any content published. Where even content has the potential to offend the security of the area, the Police may be informed to take the necessary action through legal means. But attacks of this nature are totally unacceptable and the perpetrators must be identified, investigated, prosecuted, and sanctioned.” The Minister additionally said he had spoken to the management of the station and asked them to make a report to the office of the Coordinated Mechanism on the Safety of Journalists at the National Media Commission to take action. He bemoaned the situation where attacks on journalists go unpunished saying it could breed a culture of impunity and intolerance of media work if not nipped in the bud. Hon. Oppong Nkrumah also warned that such acts have the potential to weaken Ghana’s ranking on press freedom indices if not immediately addressed.

Minister for Information and Member of Parliament for Ofoase Ayirebi Vincent Kojo Oppong Nkrumah has been made the butt of jokes on social media after a traveller posted about bad roads in the MP’s constituency. A road user who was neatly dressed and wore white before using Ofoase Ayirebi road ended up so dusty looking like “Sisqo” due to the terrible nature of the road. Netizens took turns to blast the minister for the bad road especially for that stretch being a principal street linking two major towns. Some of the commentators tagged him to it reminding him to prioritize fixing their bad roads not Serwaa Amihere, in reference to an allegation that the handsome Minister was seeing GH-One TV’s fairy presenter. See some reactions: Meanwhile Kojo Oppong Nkrumah is parading with his nice head on Serwaa’s highway 🛣 leaving his constituency 😂. Next time, use the Asamankese-kade-Chia road. It’s far better. Awww Kwadjow (sic) Opong Nkrumah the minister of Communications (sic) infact am really disappointed in him cuz the way that man bragged about that particular road then almost 5 years is already done and nothing has been done on that road hmm it’s very pity Oman Ghana Senior, saa Kojo Oppong Nkrumah road no de3 forget oooo. I’m even crying in advance because I’ll be going there tomorrow. Hon KON I greet you oo. Oppong Nrumah’s constituency fuo. Hahahahaha please kojo oppong Nkrumah to fix your road before defending the papanu the fine boy Have been using that road every bless day oooooooh  the Ghana youth should think small Kojo oppong Nkrumah will come site on tv and talking, bragging his own home town road he can fix kyebi is now small London That road… especially from Akim Oda town through Odasco to Nkwanta can blind the blinded. The dust along is enough for face make up Hahahahaha please kojo oppong Nkrumah to fix your road before defending the papanu the fine boy   —MyNewsGh Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 05555568093

Ghana’s Information Minister kojo Oppong-Nkrumah, has revealed that, terrorist groups operating with the West African sub-region are currently recruiting some Ghanaians to aid their cause. According to him, activities along the borders of Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast are being heightened in recent times due to the killing of some civilians, therefore, the government of Ghana is beefing up security along the country’s borders to prevent any possible attacks. Speaking on Asaase radio, Monday, July 19, the minister explained, “I am sad to say that our security situation in West Africa is getting a bit more precarious and we are having to pay a lot more attention to it than before. “Terrorism and piracy are some of our biggest security threats today around West Africa. If you look at the numbers and how close, it is getting home…” He added: “And the fact that now we have reason to believe that some recruitments have gone on here in Ghana, participating in the West Africa terrorism enterprise, there is a lot more that needs to be done.” Oppong-Nkrumah noted that, the government under the leadership of President Nana Akufo-Addo has done a lot, “more troops, more equipment have been moved up North.” In May, there were various reports of some armed pirates kidnapping at least five crew members onboard a fishing vessel at Tema harbour. According to eyewitnesses, the vessel was approached by a skiff with eight persons onboard. Five of the alleged armed pirates according to the report seized the vessel for at least six hours, disembarking with five crew members onboard, which includes the captain, chief officer, second chief officer, chief engineer and boatswain’s mate. “They also stole belongings and valuables of the crew,” a security source told Asaase radio. Please contact Apexnewsgh.com on email apexnewsgh@gmail.com for your credible news publications. Contact: 05555568093