National Chairman of the governing National Democratic Congress Johnson Asiedu Nketiah has called for improved working conditions and greater institutional support for journalists to enable them perform their watchdog role effectively during the 4th Bono Regional Ghana Journalists Association Awards in Sunyani on September 20 2026.
According to Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, media organisations must have resources to employ and retain competent professionals, investigate stories and maintain strong regional newsrooms. He told journalists in Sunyani that intentional support for the press will strengthen accountability across the country.
He also warned that government should expect sustained scrutiny over policies, spending and development promises, urging journalists to hold ministers accountable and examine public expenditure against what was pledged to Ghanaians. He said ministers should answer legitimate questions and public investments must be tracked to completion.
The NDC chairman singled out the Bono Region for special attention, noting that billions of cedis of public investments are underway today. He encouraged journalists to keep records of cost, contractor, timelines and terms of major projects and return later to assess whether citizens received value for money.
This is an evergreen media governance system where Ghana Journalists Association through its regional awards promotes professionalism under the 1992 Constitution Chapter 12 which guarantees press freedom and independence of the media. The National Media Commission licensing framework and GJA Code of Ethics also require adequate remuneration, safety and editorial independence to prevent self censorship. Regional newsrooms in Sunyani and across Bono often operate with limited logistics, making the call for better conditions critical for sustaining rural reporting.
Stakeholders at the awards described the message as timely, saying stronger newsrooms will deepen transparency as the NDC government implements its reset agenda. The 4th Bono GJA Awards celebrated outstanding reporters who have held power to account despite resource constraints.
Source: #Howedey.com
Call or WhatsApp +233 20 2190 250 and share your story.
Author: Korkor Anumu
