WELCOME ADDRESS BY THE HON. FATIMATU ABUBAKAR, MINISTER FOR INFORMATION DESIGNATE AT THE 3RD AFRICAN MEDIA CONVENTION, ACCRA, GHANA
It is with immense pleasure and gratitude that I welcome you all to the 3rd African Media Convention, marking the first time this esteemed event is being hosted in Accra, Ghana. Over the years, the African Media Convention has consistently served as a gathering of great minds, voices, and aspirations committed to shaping the future of media across our continent. Indeed, this year maintains that tradition without falter.
As we convene here, we are not merely participants in a convention; we are stewards of truth, guardians of democracy, and architects of progress. Our presence here underscores a collective commitment to the fundamental principles that underpin a vibrant and resilient media landscape: freedom, innovation, and environmental sustainability.
The theme of this convention, “Enhancing Freedom, Innovation, and Environmental Sustainability in a Dynamic Media Landscape,” reflects the multifaceted challenges and opportunities that define our times. It reminds us of the imperative to safeguard press freedom, embrace technological advancements, and confront the existential threat of climate change.
Throughout history, the media has served as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path towards justice, equality, and progress. Today, as we confront unprecedented global challenges, the role of the media has never been more vital. The media is a catalyst for change, a catalyst for empowerment, and a catalyst for transformation.
In the face of adversity, the media remains unwavering in its pursuit of truth and justice. Journalists, often at great personal risk, continue to shine a light on corruption, injustice, and human rights abuses. They amplify the voices of the marginalised, hold the powerful accountable, and inspire action towards a better world.
Yet, as we celebrate the indispensable role of the media, we must also acknowledge the formidable challenges that lie ahead. In this era defined by rapid technological advancement and profound societal shifts, the intersection of freedom, innovation, and environmental sustainability in our media landscape has become more crucial than ever before. As we navigate through the digital age, where information flows ceaselessly and the boundaries between the virtual and physical realms blur, the need to uphold these core values has never been more pressing.
Today, our media landscape is characterised by an unprecedented proliferation of digital platforms, social networks, and content-creation tools. While these developments have ushered in remarkable opportunities for expression, connection, and creativity, they have also brought forth a host of challenges. From the spread of misinformation and disinformation to concerns about data privacy and the environmental impact of our digital footprint, the complexities of this landscape demand our attention and collective action.
Against this backdrop, the theme for the 3rd Africa Media Convention, “Enhancing Freedom, Innovation, and Environmental Sustainability in a Dynamic Media Landscape,” resonates deeply. It speaks to our shared commitment to fostering a media environment that empowers individuals, fosters creativity, and safeguards our planet for future generations. By exploring how we can strike a balance between these objectives, we can chart a course towards a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable digital future.
Mr. Chairman, may I have your indulgence to outline several initiatives implemented by the government of Ghana in response to the aforementioned challenges. The Government of Ghana, through the Ministry of Information, implemented a Coordinated Mechanism on Safety for Journalists (CMSJ) and launched a Media Capacity Enhancement Programme (MCEP) to equip journalists with the skills and resources they need to navigate the increasingly complex landscape of modern journalism while ensuring their safety and security.
I am proud to announce that these two distinct programmes have already yielded positive outcomes and results. To date, we have provided comprehensive training to over 140 journalists from different media houses nationwide. These training sessions have equipped journalists with the skills, knowledge, and expertise needed to excel in their profession. We are committed to expanding the scope of these programs so that they reach all journalists in our country.
Furthermore, as part of efforts to combat impunity and ensure accountability, the Ministry of Information has been actively engaging with the Judicial Service. We have advocated for severe punishment by the judiciary for those who attack journalists and media houses. We must hold those who attempt to silence the press accountable for their actions, and we will spare no effort in pursuing justice for the victims of such unwarranted attacks.
Our great nation, recognising the gravity of this challenge, has taken proactive measures to combat the rampant spread of misinformation. The government of Ghana also launched the GhanaToday.gov.gh website, a pioneering initiative in our ongoing battle for truth and clarity. A dedicated team at the Information Services Department (ISD) manages this website, which serves as a fortress against misinformation and a repository of accurate information directly from the Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.
The vision behind this initiative is clear: to combat misinformation by providing unfiltered, direct information about the workings of the government. The ghanatoday.gov.gh website is set to become the epicentre of all governmental activities, housing facts about projects and programmes, full texts of speeches by heads of various departments, official communications, publications, policies, and programme documents. This comprehensive approach aims to reduce the level of misrepresentations and outright misinformation that often plague the online space.
Ladies and gentlemen, beyond the creation of the ghanatoday.gov.gh website, the government also recognises the importance of equipping citizens with skills to navigate the complex digital information landscape. To this end, the government, through the Ministry of Information, implemented media literacy programmes to educate the public on critical thinking, source evaluation, and verification. These initiatives aim to empower individuals to discern reliable information from falsehoods. To achieve this aim, social media influencers with a wide-reaching impact on various platforms play a crucial role in amplifying the importance of media literacy. By leveraging their influence, we aim to reach a broader audience, instilling the values of critical thinking and source verification in the hearts and minds of citizens.
However, we do not fight the battle against misinformation in isolation. The government has taken the lead in bringing together stakeholders in Ghana’s media landscape to draft a National Action Plan—a blueprint for combating misinformation and disinformation at its roots. The National Action Plan outlines strategic objectives, including enhancing media literacy among citizens, strengthening fact-checking mechanisms, introducing a structured reporting system for false information, promoting ethical journalism, reviewing existing legislation, and collaborating with technology platforms. The Ministry recognised the importance of collaboration by organising a National Conference on Disinformation and Misinformation, where they rigorously examined and validated the National Action Plan.
Before the development of the National Action Plan to combat misinformation and disinformation in Ghana, the government had already taken decisive steps. For instance, legal provisions under Section 76 of the Electronic Communications Act 2008 (Act 775) and Sections 185 and 208 of the Criminal Offenses Act 1960 (Act 29) were established to sanction those knowingly spreading false information. These legal measures underscore the gravity with which our government views the dissemination of misinformation.
The enactment of the Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989) is another pivotal step in addressing misinformation in Ghana. By providing citizens with access to trustworthy information, this legislation has the potential to significantly diminish the spread of inaccurate content. The Act champions transparency, accountability, citizen empowerment, and fact-checking, fostering a society that is better informed and resilient against the perils of misinformation.
Moreover, the Information Services Department plays a pivotal role in public education on government policies and programs. Through various channels, ISD disseminates accurate and comprehensive information about the initiatives undertaken by different Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. This proactive approach ensures that the public is well-informed, fostering a sense of transparency and accountability in government operations.
As we embark on this journey together, let us be guided by a shared vision of a media landscape that is free, inclusive, and sustainable. Let us harness the power of innovation to amplify diverse voices, bridge divides, and foster understanding. Let us also recognise our responsibility to protect and preserve our planet for future generations.
In the days ahead, let us engage in open, honest, and constructive dialogue, sharing insights, experiences, and best practices. Let us forge new partnerships, cultivate innovative solutions, and chart a course towards a brighter future for media in Africa and beyond.
In closing, I extend my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you for your unwavering commitment to the principles of freedom, innovation, and environmental sustainability. Together, let us rise to the challenges of our time and seize the opportunities that lie ahead. Together, let us write a new chapter in the story of African media—a chapter defined by courage, creativity, and collaboration.
Thank you.
