Dr Bernard Otabil, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ghana News Agency (GNA), has said 2016 presents the Agency the opportunity to prove its importance in the social, political and economic development of the country.
“This year (2016) is an election year and many are of the view that it would define the economic and political direction of the country. This is very true as all elections, whether Parliamentary or Presidential, do affect the fortunes of a country, one way or the other. However, as the nation’s only newswire service, set up to promote national cohesion and socio-economic development of the country, l see 2016 as the opportune time to prove our importance to Ghanaians and the world”, Dr Otabil said in a New Year message to staff on behalf of the management of the Agency.
Dr Otabil said it was unfortunate that the importance of the Agency was lost on many generally, with some even questioning why the need for a national news agency in an era of media pluralism. But according to the CEO, if there was any time that a national news agency was needed, it was now.
“There is no doubt that Ghana is among the countries enjoying free media and generally freedom of expression but that does not in any way guarantee extensive coverage of the marginalised, reduce biases, foster national unity or promote responsible journalism.
“Certainly, media freedom has come with its own attendant problems that will take time to be fully resolved. Fortunately, since 1957, we have been promoting the right values and standards as far as the dissemination of truthful, unbiased news is concerned. We are also, by far, the media organisation with the widest news-gathering network across the country, which we would use to an effective end in 2016”, the statement said.
Dr Otabil gave the assurance that the Agency would continue its policy of ensuring that there was equal access to its platform, regardless of the individual’s social standing or political affiliation.
“We must promote the national interest and not allow anyone to try and influence what we do in anyway. We are the journalists of journalists, and watchdog of society so we have no room for errors”, he stated.
The statement thanked staff for their good work in 2015 despite difficulties, especially with regard to payments of some allowances and assured them that management would work hard with the Board of Directors to improve the fortunes of the Agency in 2016.
“Of course, perfect conditions are rare but that does not mean that deplorable conditions must be accepted. As management we are aware that there were some conditions that should not have been the case but they did happen. We have been forced to reduce operating times at the head office, and run some uncomfortable shifts for some. We salute those of you that accepted the situation and worked hard to ensure that we achieved our mandate regardless. Surely we will tell a better story in 2016”.
The statement also thanked the Agency’s subscribers and all other stakeholders for their support in the past year, wishing them a prosperous 2016.
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