Kojo Oppong Nkrumah
The Minister of Information, 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.
“We are at the most critical time in recent economic history of our continent. Therefore, this is the time to rally round the flag and indeed rally round the continent-wide effort to recover. This requires common purpose from policymakers, from private sector players and from the media. It is the only way to guarantee our common success,” he said.
According to him, the media in this post-crisis recovery era should be partners in highlighting the opportunities and amplifying the successes of the government and businesses in order to complement efforts being made to revive the economy from the economic downturn.
“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.
Speaking at the Graphic Business and Stanbic Bank Breakfast Meeting yesterday, the Minister said the role of the media, particular in these times, is to eschew all forms of sensational and misleading publications that will deter investors, both foreign and local, from investing in critical sectors of the economy.
The Meeting was held under the theme “Media and Marketing Communication post COVID: A catalyst for Africa’s Socio-Economic Resurgence.”
Media’s role
Touching on the role of the media in recovering the economy, Mr Nkrumah said for any set of interventions to be successful, the media needs to trumpet it for these interventions to gain the goodwill and support of the Ghanaian people.
He said while the media is encouraged to report infractions in the public and private sector, it 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.
The Managing Director of the Graphic Communications Group Limited (GCGL), 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 said the media must always make it a point to sell the numerous businesses opportunities available in the country to make it attractive to foreign investors.
He underscored the relevance of the media and marketing communication industry in the country. He said the post COVID-19 recovery efforts however 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 marketing and communications expert, Stephen Naasei Boadi, also challenged the media to embrace new ideas as a means of advancing their interests while remaining relevant in the marketplace. He also charged the media to be proactive in responding to the global crisis.
