By Regina Benneh, GNA
Sunyani, (Bono), May 12, GNA – Mr Joseph Addae Akwaboa, the Bono Regional Minister has urged the media to remain responsible and uphold professionalism in the discharge of their constitutional duties to and to deepen press freedom.
He said, “Press freedom carries equal weight in responsibility”, when speaking at the Bono Regional Celebration of the 2026 World Press Freedom Day, organised by the Bono Regional chapter of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) in Sunyani.
Mr Akwaboa said though the 1992 Constitution guaranteed free press, it ought to be “matched with accuracy, integrity and a commitment to peacebuilding”.
“Let’s all, as government, media, and citizens collaborate to build a society that is well informed, inclusive, and peaceful, and remember that press freedom isn’t just a right, it is a responsibility”, he advised.
The celebration was on the theme: “Shaping a Future at Peace: The role of the youth and media in building peaceful societies”.
Mr Akwaboa urged journalists and media practitioners to counter misinformation, promote civic responsibility, and also amplify voices that strengthen social cohesion.
He noted that the rise of misinformation, unethical reporting, and misuse of digital platforms threatened national unity and security and urged the media to uphold the highest standards of professionalism.
The Regional Minister called on the media to use their platforms to promote unity and development rather than causing division.
He advised that, “the future of journalism is in your hands and therefore use the power of media responsibly”.
Mr Akwaboa reaffirmed the government’s dedication to protecting press freedom, saying that the reactivation of the Media Development Fund, media reforms and laws including the Broadcasting Bill, expanded support for community media, and new investments in training and digital literacy.
He also highlighted the government’s abhorrence against intimidation and violence toward journalists and media practitioners, assuring the government’s full support to building vibrant media.
“However, the government support comes with an expectation of responsible practice”, he stated, saying that the media remained a major stakeholder building a better nation for all.
Mr Akwaboa pledged the continuous collaboration between the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) and the media, civil society community, and development partners in creating an environment for thriving journalism and strengthening the prevailing peace of the region.
The event was also attended by the former Deputy Attorney-General Mr Alfred Tuah-Yeboah, and Nana Kwaku Kumi, a renowned Journalist and the Bono Regional Director of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) as well as some traditional authorities.
GNA
Edited by Dennis Peprah/Linda Asante Agyei
Reporter: Regina Benneh Siaw
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