Accra, Sept. 12, GNA – The Governing Board of the Ghana News Agency (GNA) has outlined strategic priorities to accelerate modernisation, strengthen editorial and multimedia capacity and improve financial sustainability of the state wire service.
At its maiden meeting in Accra, the newly inaugurated Board identified enhanced editorial and multimedia operations, strategic recruitment, resource mobilisation, development of new revenue streams and effective utilisation of the Agency’s assets as key priorities, building on ongoing efforts.
The meeting, chaired by Dr Kwame Akuffo Anoff-Ntow, also considered measures to strengthen the GNA’s capacity to respond to the rapidly evolving media landscape, while consolidating its position as Ghana’s premier national news institution.
Mr Albert Kofi Owusu, the General Manager, briefed members on the progress of African Development Bank-funded renovation of the GNA Head Office in Accra and the Agency’s regional offices in Takoradi, Tamale and Tema, as part of ongoing efforts to improve its operational infrastructure.
The Head Office is expected to be reoccupied this month, with the project also providing new multimedia equipment, including cameras, laptops and editing systems, to support the Agency’s transition to integrated digital and multimedia journalism.
The Board noted the importance of leveraging those investments, while exploring innovative approaches to content production, distribution and commercialisation to expand the Agency’s reach, improve service delivery and create new opportunities for sustainable growth.
It expressed concern about staffing gaps arising from retirements and the absence of financial clearance to recruit personnel to fill existing vacancies.
The Board, therefore, committed to engaging relevant stakeholders to secure the necessary approvals and support for recruitment to strengthen the Agency’s operational capacity, particularly in the regions, and advance its multimedia agenda.
On financing, the Board discussed strategies to secure increased government subvention, while expanding Internally Generated Funds (IGF).
This would be through the development of premium, analytical and specialised news products for corporate institutions, development-sector organisations and other clients.
It also identified the effective utilisation of the Agency’s assets, including its property portfolio, as an important avenue for increasing IGF and improving financial sustainability.
The Agency’s commercial activities would, however, be pursued in a manner that supported rather than compromised its core public-service mandate.
In line with its strategic direction, the Board said it would provide policy oversight to support the transformation of the GNA into a competitive multimedia news organisation capable of delivering credible, timely and accessible content across multiple platforms.
It reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the Agency’s editorial independence and integrity, while promoting accuracy, ethical journalism and public accountability.
The Board also emphasised that the GNA would strengthen its digital capabilities and embrace innovative content strategies to respond effectively to the growing challenges of misinformation and disinformation in the modern media environment.
The Agency’s growth, it said, would require continuous innovation, stronger partnerships and new approaches to meet the changing needs of news consumers and clients.
Following the meeting, the Board members, led by Mr Owusu, toured the GNA Head Office to inspect the ongoing renovation works.
The renovation, which is nearing completion, includes improvements to the Agency’s office facilities and infrastructure, as well as the provision of facilities to support its evolving multimedia operations.
The Board members expressed satisfaction with the progress of work and said the completed facility would provide a more conducive working environment for management and staff, while supporting the Agency’s modernisation agenda.
They reaffirmed their commitment to working with management and staff to strengthen the GNA’s institutional capacity, sustain ongoing improvements and introduce innovative solutions to enhance its contribution to Ghana’s media landscape.
The other members of the Governing Board are: Madam Mercy Catherine Adjabeng; Mr Francis Dadzie Jnr; Professor Adwoa Sikayena Amankwah; Dr Moshie-Dayan Ahiamenyo; Mr Vance Azu; and Mr Alexander Nii Katey Bannerman.
GNA
Edited by Beatrice Asamani Savage