The Minister-Designate for Information and Member of Parliament for Ofoase-Ayirebi, Mr. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has stated that media owners must invest in the capacity of journalists for effective and quality reportage.
He pointed out that capacity building is essential in the journalism fraternity and that, quality delivery can only be achieved if much investment is made into the resource capacity of journalists.
Appearing before the Standing Committee on Appointments in Parliament today, Mr. Oppong Nkrumah stated that if journalists are not well compensated, the effectiveness of their reportage is affected since, limited resources do not permit them to do detailed research on a topical issue.
“Remuneration of media men must be considered. The media is the fourth Estate of the Realm and therefore, journalists must be compensated to do quality reportage. This should be taken into consideration to ensure that journalists do their best. Weakness of the media is hugely premised on remuneration. Poorly paid journalists cannot deliver quality work”, he reiterated.
Mr. Oppong Nkrumah however suggested that the Ministry of Information and the National Media Commission (NMC) will work together in developing the capacity of journalists.
He again, added that his Ministry will work together with the regulatory body of the media, the National Media Commission, to consider the remuneration of media practitioners in the country through various media owners.
Explaining further, Mr. Oppong Nkrumah added that a new initiative set up by the ministry, the Media Capacity Enhancement Programme (MCEP), when implemented, will enhance on-the-job experience of media practitioners through capacity-building programmes.
On the existing Media Development Fund to resource media practitioners, Mr. Oppong Nkrumah informed the Committee that the initiative is faced with several challenges.
“The Media Development Fund set up by the previous administration is faced with numerous challenges. These challenges do not help in the right disbursement of funds. The funding programme has no funds to cater for journalists”. He concluded.
Source: GhanaJustice/S.Ayisi
