Government, media co-operation vital for development — Opoku

Eric OpokuEric OpokuThe Ashanti Regional Minister, Mr Eric Opoku has said cordial relations with the media, cooperation and collaboration in churning out what is mostly good for national unity and progress is the way  forward.

He has, therefore, called for mutual respect and recognition of the role of the media in society as not a passive mirror, but rather, “a mirror with eyes , ears and above all a voice especially for the voiceless guaranteed by the national constitution.”

At a press soiree for the Ashanti Regional Branch of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) at his official residency in Kumasi on Tuesday, the Regional Minister  stressed the need for public officials and the media personnel to work to sustain the crusade against indiscipline, insanitary conditions, self-helplessness and over dependence on government and yet refuse to be tax-compliant.

As Ghanaians await the outcome of the 2012 Election petition, Mr Opoku challenged media personnel to market the country as a stable, united and peace loving society.

He also asked the media to consider the possibility of a cease-fire” by way of suspending panel discussions on the election petition trial at the Supreme Court as soon as the parties conclude their addresses.”

He also charged the public and questioned on  how  individuals and public officials pursue the public interest with dedication and patriotism and the recognition that the best public relations (PR) was to do the right thing at the right time and at the right place but not to be reckless. and when taken on, turn round to blame the press.

The press soiree which was attended by heads of department, metropolitan, municipal and district chief executives (MMDCE’s) afforded all who had gathered the opportunity to socialise as partners and leaders of the region to discuss issues bordering on the development of the region and the country as a whole.

 The President of the Ashanti Chapter of the GJA, Mr Listowell Yesu Bukarson on behalf of the members of the GJA, commended the Regional Minister for the interaction.

He pledged that the GJA would work in close collaboration with the Regional Co-ordinating Council (RCC) to enhance effective and efficient administration .

 By Nana Yaw Barimah/Daily Graphic/Ghana


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