Table of Contents
Deputy Minister for Education, Dr Clement Abas Apaak, has called on media organisations to provide journalists with the resources and editorial support required to undertake quality investigative and development reporting.
He said journalists cannot be expected to produce strong accountability stories without adequate time, transport, access to information and editors who are prepared to interrogate the evidence behind their reports.
Dr Apaak made the call at the 5th Upper East Regional Ghana Journalists Association Awards in Bolgatanga, where he also urged public institutions to see legitimate media scrutiny as part of the accountability process rather than automatically treating journalists’ questions as attacks.
“If we want stronger investigative and development journalism out of the Upper East Region, we must invest in the journalists who are expected to produce it,” he said.
He said newsroom editors have an important role to play by challenging reporters to substantiate their claims and interrogate the evidence supporting their stories.
According to him, questions such as where a figure came from, what the other side says and whether a claim can be proved are necessary if the media is to maintain credibility.
Institutions must answer legitimate questions
Dr Apaak also called on public institutions to respond constructively when journalists raise questions about public services, projects and the use of public resources.
He said a journalist asking why a health facility has no water or why a development project has stalled should not automatically be interpreted as an attempt to discredit an institution.
“A journalist’s question is not automatically an attack,” he said.
According to him, public institutions exist to serve citizens and therefore owe the public credible answers to legitimate questions.
“Where the media gets something wrong, correct the record. But where the question is fair, answer it. That is how accountability works,” he said.
Dr Apaak said the relationship between public institutions and the media should therefore be based on accountability, evidence and the public interest rather than hostility.
He also reminded journalists that their influence comes with an obligation to protect their credibility by verifying claims, giving people the opportunity to respond to allegations and correcting mistakes when they occur.
Journalism as public service
The Deputy Minister said the media’s role extends beyond informing the public to helping citizens understand the issues affecting their lives and ensuring that institutions are held accountable.
He said the Upper East Region has numerous stories requiring sustained journalistic attention, particularly in health, education, agriculture, water and sanitation.
He therefore urged journalists not to abandon stories once they have generated headlines but to continue following the issues, the money, the promises and the people affected.
“Do not leave the story at the headline. Stay with the issue. Follow the promise, follow the money, follow the people affected,” he said.
Dr Apaak was the Special Guest of Honour at the 5th Upper East Regional GJA Awards, which celebrated journalists whose work has contributed to public discourse and development in the region.
Source: Bolgafmonline.com| 102.7 MHz| Bolgatanga
