The Minister for Information, Honourable Kojo Oppong Nkrumah has charged the media to be partners in Ghana’s efforts to rebound the economy from the ravages of the coronavirus pandemic.
According to him, the media in this post-crises recovery era should be partners in highlighting the opportunities and amplifying successes of government and businesses in order to compliment efforts being made to revive the economy from the economic downturn.
Hon. Oppong Nkrumah emphasized that the country was at the most critical time in recent economic history of Ghana.
He therefore, reiterated Government’s commitment to turn round the economic fortunes of the country and called on policy makers, private sector players and the media to rally round the flag towards the economic recovery of Ghana.
“On the part of government, we will continue to provide support for the industry through fair regulation, capacity enhancement programs and support to the general economy which should in turn help the industry. However, in return, the media should also help in projecting the country to the outside world,” he added.
The Minister made these remarks at the Graphic Business and Stanbic Bank Breakfast Meeting today under the theme: “Media and Marketing Communication post COVID: A catalyst for Africa’s Socio-Economic Resurgence.”
He said that the role of the media in particular, in these times was to eschew all forms of sensational and misleading publications that would deter both foreign and local investors from investing in critical sectors of the economy.
Media’s role in economic recovery
Touching on the Media’s role in recovering the economy, Hon. Oppong Nkrumah mentioned that the Media plays a critical role in helping to recover the economy from the shocks of the COVID-19 and that for any set of interventions to be successful, the Media needed to trumpet it for these interventions to gain the goodwill and support of the Ghanaian people.
He said that, while the Media is encouraged to report infractions in the public and private sector, the Media should see itself more as a role player in also highlighting the opportunities and the good in these sectors to fire up the country’s recovery efforts.
On his part, the Managing Director of Graphic Communications Group Limited, Mr. Ato Afful called on the Media to use innovative means in producing attractive content that will give mileage to businesses to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
He admonished the Media to always make it a point to sell the numerous business opportunities available in the country to make it attractive to foreign investors.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ABN Holdings Limited, Mr. George Twumasi underscored the relevance of the Media and marketing communication industry in the country. However, he said the post COVID-19 recovery efforts means the Media must assume a more central role in promoting trade, commerce and investment in a way that will help set the Ghanaian economy back in motion.
A digital marketing and communications expert, Mr. Boadi also challenged the Media to embrace new ideas as a means of advancing their interests while remaining relevant in the market place. He charged them to be proactive in responding to the global crisis.
Source: MOI (PR Unit)
