The National Security Ministry and the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) have formed a partnership to guarantee security for residents, citizens and the country.
The partnership was established on Wednesday, 14 December 2022, when the Executives of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), visited the National Security Minister, Albert Kan-Dapaah.
The purpose of the GJA’s visit was to partner with the Ministry of National Security to explore opportunities on both sides.
GJA President Albert Kwabena Dwumfour emphasised a deepened alliance between the association and the Ministry of Security for both to work together on issues of National Security.
Mr Dwumfour called on the Security Minister to assist organise training and capacity-building sessions for journalists in the national security sector.
He further appealed to the Minister to assist train journalists on safety and security, while engaging the media constantly in order to promote stability and peace in the country.
Mr Dwumfour suggested that the National Security Ministry organise press soirees that will enable both institutions to come together and discuss issues of national security and other matters important to the development of the country.
He also announced the association’s new initiative, which is expected to be launched early next year dubbed: “See something, say something.”
He called for the support of the Ministry as it has a similar initiative.
The Security Minister, for his part, acknowledged the role of the media with regard to issues of national concern and noted that the collaboration will help in promoting peace and stability in and across the country.
The Minister reiterated the media’s role as being the only institution with the independence to hold the government accountable and urged the media to continue the good work of holding the government accountable at all times.
He further called for both institutions to maintain mutual respect for each other and encouraged media practitioners to eschew using their office to do things that do not inure to the benefit of the country including the use of unprintable words by some media practitioners while addressing issues.
According to the Minister, he was not against criticisms, however, he believes that a certain level of decorum should be used.
He urged the GJA to ensure that its members are paid well.
Responding to the Minister, the GJA President assured him that the association will do away with “yellow journalism” while ensuring that journalists, work in sync with the ethics of the profession.
