Northern Ghana launches its first ever Awards Scheme for Journalists

07-05-2010
Narration: Launching of the first ever 2010 annual Northern Journalists Awards has ended at Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region with a call on media practitioners to exhibit high professional and ethical standards in order to ensure accuracy and fairness in their reportage. The Upper East Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo who made the call also entreated journalists to desist from making inflammatory statements that tend to heighten tension and create confusion and anarchy in conflict areas such as Bawku. Correspondent Isaac Asare was there for Radio Ghana and has filed this report.
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Report
The event which was organized by Flip Media Consult-Ghana, a media consultancy firm based in Tamale, was attended by various stakeholders including chiefs, departmental heads, heads of security agencies, representatives from civil society organisations, pressure groups among others. It was on the theme: ‘The Savanna Accelerated Development Authority (SADA) - A tool for national Development, the Role of the Northern Journalist”. Launching the anniversary, Mr. Woyongo said it behoves on journalists as fourth estate of the realm to refrain from irresponsible journalism to promote peace and development in the profession. He said the Right to Information Bill currently before parliament for debate and passage, is a clear indication of government’s quest to enhance high journalistic standard to enable the practitioners work effectively to increase the flow of information from the government, stressing that, citizens can only make meaningful contribution to national development only if they are well informed. Mr. Woyongo, encourage journalists to see themselves as role models since they are the mouthpiece of the masses. He therefore called on journalists to help project and promote the image of the three Northern Regions through responsible reportage since many resources abound in the region. This, according to Mr. Woyongo would help bring more investors into the north to ensure development. The Managing Director of Flip Media Consult-Ghana, Prince Tawfik Tikum-ma said the rationale for instituting such an award scheme is aimed at rewarding selfless and dedicated journalists in Northern Ghana, who over the years have distinguish themselves diligently in the discharge of the duties. He revealed that the climax of the award scheme which is schedule to take place in Tamale on June, 5, will see hardworking journalists in the north receiving various categories of awards. Mr Tikum-ma said plans are underway to give skill training to journalists in order to enable them meet the challenges confronting the profession and called for the support of individuals and organisations in that direction. The Secretary of GJA, Upper East branch, Mr. George Akambo, condemned the verbal and physical attack on journalists. Mr Akambo entreated the public to appreciate the efforts of journalists so as to encourage them perform their core functions dutifully and effectively for the benefit of all. An appeal for fund was later launched to support the sheme.
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