By: Nana Achiaa Aboagye
UNESCO’s Media Development Indicators have been launched. A framework to Assess Media Development in Ghana, the Media Development Indicators is expected to contribute to sustainable development, democracy, and good governance to promote a free, pluralistic, diverse and independent media in Ghana.
”We cannot overemphasize the progressive evolution and significant growth of Ghanaian media over the years. We can point to existing systems, constitutional bodies, civil society, organizations, legal framework and educational institutions that contribute to the enhancement of our ecosystem”, accordingb tomUNESDO.
The media in Ghana is currently considered one of the freest in Africa and was in 2015 ranked first in press freedom by Reporters Without Border.
UNESCO’s International Program for Development of Communication (IPDC) seeks to promote and improve media development in developing countries like Ghana. It is part of the program that UNESCO introduced the Media Development Indicators to assess the efficiency of a country’s media system. The Media Development Indicators are also being used in the definition of a UN common approach to media development and good governance at the country level.
The Representative of UNESCO, Mr. Abdourahamane Diallo said the assessment will foster and enhance a free, independent and pluralist media in Ghana that will empower citizens with information.
The Deputy Director General in charge of Managerial Operations of the National Communication Authority, Madame Olivia Quartey urged the media to live up to its expectations as a vibrant and responsible media to the development of our society.
The Executive Secretary of National Media Commission Mr. George Sarpong reiterated that the Media Development Indicators by Ghanaian researchers will contribute to the development of Ghana’s media.
The GJA President Albert Kwabena Dwumfour mentioned that the assessment will serve as a working document or point of reference to motivate the Association to do better. The Director General of the Ghana Broadcasting Cooperation Professor Amin Alhassan reiterated that media organizations in Ghana are given authorization and not license to operate.
The Director of Finance and Administration for the Ministry of Information, Madame Patricia Dovi Sampson who launched the report on the assessment of Media Development in Ghana said women are misrepresented in the media landscape. She said media organizations should be supported and encouraged to develop and implement policies that promote gender and social inclusion. She added that mechanisms should be put in place to build the capacity of women in the media and track them in decision-making positions.
The Lead Consultant and Researcher of the framework, Prof. Audrey Gadzekpo said authorities must do more to create safety for journalists and media institutions, ensure better information flow without risks, and end impunity by strongly sanctioning perpetrators of attacks.
UNESCO is contributing to the implementation of the framework for a national cooperating mechanism on the safety of journalists in Ghana. These frameworks have been conducted and applied in over 50 countries in Africa, Asia and South America.