The Upper West Regional Minister, Charles Lwanga Puozuing, has reaffirmed government’s commitment to press freedom and democratic governance, describing the media as a central force in shaping development outcomes rather than passive observers.
Speaking at a press soiree held over the weekend at the Upper West Regional Coordinating Council, Mr. Puozuing said journalists remain “one of the strongest pillars of our democracy” and play a decisive role in influencing policy, accountability, and public consciousness.
“The media are not merely observers of development; you are partners and participants in it,” the Regional Minister stated, urging journalists to see themselves as critical actors in the region’s development agenda.
The event brought together broadcast and print journalists, online media practitioners, heads of decentralised state institutions, and departmental heads from across the region. It formed part of a year-end engagement to review governance and development efforts in 2025 and strengthen collaboration between government and the media.
Mr. Puozuing commended media practitioners in the Upper West Region for what he described as growing professionalism and responsibility in their reportage, particularly in covering government programmes and interventions.
“Your coverage has contributed meaningfully to public awareness, transparency, and informed civic participation,” he noted, adding that some media reports had gone beyond routine reporting to attract international attention and support for development initiatives. “Such journalism does not merely report reality; it changes reality.”
The Regional Minister said President John Dramani Mahama remains firmly committed to safeguarding press freedom and strengthening state–media relations, while acknowledging the operational and professional challenges faced by journalists, especially at the regional level.
“These challenges are real, and they demand collaboration rather than confrontation,” he said, assuring media practitioners of the Regional Coordinating Council’s readiness to work with them “constructively, respectfully, and transparently.”
Mr. Puozuing stressed that the watchdog role of the media would remain crucial as government rolls out new programmes and projects in the coming year. However, he called for responsible and balanced journalism that combines accountability with fairness.
“We encourage journalism that holds leadership accountable while also illuminating progress,” he said. “Journalism that critiques with fairness and highlights human interest and development stories that reflect the resilience, potential, and promise of our people.”
He described the Upper West Region as having “a story of hope, preserved trust, and opportunity,” and charged the media with the responsibility of telling that story accurately and responsibly.
“You, the media, are the custodians of that story,” Mr. Puozuing said, calling for stronger trust and deeper engagement between journalists and public institutions in the collective pursuit of regional development.
The press soiree ended with renewed calls for partnership between government and the media to advance good governance and improve the well-being of residents in the Upper West Region.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
