Mr Charles Lwanga Puozuing, the Upper West Regional Minister, has described the media as an active partner in national development and democratic consolidation, rather than a mere observer of the development process.
“Your role transcends reportage, you shape public consciousness, influence policy conversation, and amplify the voices of the voiceless … you are not observers of development, you are partners or participants in it,” he explained.
The Regional Minister made the remarks at a press soiree organised in Wa to strengthen engagement between journalists in the region, the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) and the Regional Security Council (REGSEC).
The engagement provided an opportunity to discuss issues of governance, accountability, and development, which were key pillars of democratic practice.
He commended journalists and media practitioners in the region for exhibiting professionalism, responsibility, and dedication in contributing to the development of the region over the years.
He observed that many development-related discussions in the region had been influenced by responsible journalism that highlighted challenges, mobilised stakeholders and communities to action, and, in some cases, attracted national and international attention and support.
The Regional Minister noted that the government, under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, remained committed to strengthening democratic governance, protecting press freedom, and improving relations between state institutions and the media.
He encouraged the journalists and media practitioners to continue ensuring fair and balanced reporting that held duty-bearers accountable while giving prominence to development-oriented and human-interest stories in the region.
Responding to a question on the region’s major development challenges, Mr Puozuing identified the increasing incidence of drug abuse among the youth as a growing concern.
He appealed to the media to intensify advocacy against drug abuse to complement the efforts of the Regional Anti-Drug Abuse Taskforce in addressing the problem.
The Minister also assured the public that stakeholders in the region had put in place measures to respond effectively to any outbreak of meningitis in the region.
Touching on infrastructure, he said work was ongoing under the government’s “Big Push” road projects in the region, including the Wa-Hain-Tumu and Wa-Sawla Roads.
On the Wa-Hain Road, Mr Puozuing disclosed that the contractor was expected to mobilise to site within the month for work to commence in earnest.
The press soiree was attended by members of the Regional Security Council, heads of departments, and unit heads of the Regional Coordinating Council.
