The Upper East Regional Minister, Stephen Yakubu, has expressed his gratitude to the media for their support since he assumed office. Mr. Yakubu arrived in the region on Sunday, March 14, 2021, to take over as regional minister. Even though the minister has had backlashes from the public, including the media, over some happenings of the region, the former Ghana’s Ambassador to Morocco says the media in the Upper East Region has been supportive and that singular honour enhances the governance processes in the region.
“Your Royal Highness, ever since I assumed office as a regional minister, I have had great support from the media, mindful of the fact that they are the Fourth Estate of the Realm. This is in line with the tradition of our government, the most media-friendly in the fourth republic. In view of this, I had corporate agencies and departments work hand in hand with the media to enhance the governance processes of the region.”
Speaking at the 2nd Upper East Ghana Journalists Association Awards in Bolgatanga, Mr. Yakubu acknowledged the pivotal role the media plays in disseminating information, educating, and entertaining the public.
The regional minister also called for a collaborative effort between the government and the media to address the challenges facing the region and attract investments.
“The media has also been influential in attracting investors into the region by highlighting the huge potential of this beautiful region, especially in the areas of tourism, the hospitality industry, and agriculture”, he stated.
Speaking on the theme of the awards ceremony, ‘Safeguarding the peace and security of the Upper East Region: the Role of the Media”, Mr. Yakubu commended the media for the role it plays in safeguarding the peace of the Upper East Region but urged the media to step up their role to ensure peace returns to some areas, such as Bawku.
He lamented that the effects of chieftaincy, land, and tribal conflicts that the region suffered for the past years “contributed to mass transfers of workers which have affected health care delivery, education, and social and economic activities, particularly within the eastern zone of our region.”
The GJA awards program was chaired by the Overload of Talensi Traditional Council, Tongraan Kugbilsong Nanlebegtang, and attended by national and regional GJA executives, heads of departments, political party representatives, and donor partners among others.
The main sponsor of the awards program was WaterAid Ghana under the SHARE project which is also implemented by Right to Play, FAWE, and FHI 360 with sponsorship from Global Affairs Canada.
Other sponsors include the Silas Amoah Foundation, Bolgatanga Municipal Assembly, Afrikids Ghana, Earl International Group (Ghana) Gold Mining Ltd, MTN Ghana, Endswell Pharmacy, Youth Harvest Foundation, VRA/NEDCO, Participatory Action for Rural Development Alternatives (PARDA) and Widows and Orphans Movement.
Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Bolgatanga|Ghana
