Journalists in the Upper East Region have been urged to move beyond reporting the construction and commissioning of development projects and investigate whether such interventions are actually improving the lives of intended beneficiaries.
Moses Apiah, who emerged as the overall winner at the 5th Upper East Regional Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Awards, says the media must begin asking tougher questions about the outcomes of public investments.
He was speaking on A1 Radio after receiving the Journalist of the Year 2025 award at an event held under the theme, “Beyond the Headlines: The Media’s Role in Promoting WASH for Safe Motherhood and Quality Healthcare.”
According to him, reporting that a borehole, school block or irrigation facility has been constructed should not be the end of the story.
“The question is no longer simply whether we have reported that a borehole has been constructed, a school block commissioned, an irrigation facility completed or money allocated for a community project, but whether those interventions have made any meaningful difference in the lives of the people for whom they were intended.”
He said journalists must follow development projects beyond official ceremonies and examine whether resources are being used for their intended purposes.
He also wants journalists to give ordinary citizens greater space to influence conversations about development in their communities.
For him, journalism in a developing region such as the Upper East must help citizens understand how decisions are made, how public resources are used and why some communities continue to lack basic services.
The awards were headlined by MyTurn Constructions Limited and Lesken Enterprise Limited, with Kacstones Records and Paga Youth Movement as main sponsors. NorthLite Solar Limited was also among the organisations supporting the event, with the company saying its sponsorship was aimed at recognising journalism that contributes to public understanding of development issues.
Source: Bolgafmonline.com| 102.7 MHz| Bolgatanga
