Government is commited to media fund – Information Minister

Mr Fritz Baffour, Minister of Information on Thursday said government was committed to the establishment of the proposed “Media Development Fund”.

“That is why GH¢1 million has been allocated to the fund as seed money, to be topped by other donors, both public and private.”

Mr Baffour made the pledge at a Stakeholders Meeting on the Proposed Media Development Fund in Accra.

“The Fund is to assist in improving the professional output and competence of media organisations in the country,” he said, adding that, “It would be administered by a Board of Trustees, whose duty was to ensure probity and fairness in fund disbursements.”

“Such stakeholders meeting is crucial, since it determines the modus operandi of the fund”.

“I fervently hope and wish you come to a conclusion that would be agreeable to all stakeholders, so that the fund can take off and be implemented without delay,” he added.

The Chairman of the National Media Commission, Mr Kabral Blay Amihere, said one key aim of the fund, was to promote high standards in journalism.

Mr Blay Amihere said in accordance with the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Constitution, such a fund was most needed for the promotion of excellence in journalism within the country.

Mr Ransford Tetteh, President of GJA, in a speech read on his behalf by Mr Bright Blewu, General Secretary of GJA, said the fund would enhance the media’s capacity to ensure national growth through promoting standard reporting methods.

Source: GNA