The Minister for Information, Fatimatu Abubakar, has urged the Ghanaian media to work collaboratively towards creating a media landscape that truly reflects the needs of the country’s citizens.

Her appeal came during the opening ceremony of the third cohort of the Media Capacity Enhancement Programme (MCEP) on Tuesday, 10 September 2024.

“We can work together to build a media landscape that is both strong and advances the needs of Ghanaians,” the Minister emphasised.

She highlighted the MCEP’s role in equipping journalists and media practitioners with essential skills as a crucial step in this direction.

Expressing gratitude for the groundwork laid by her predecessor, who initiated the MCEP under the theme “Equipping the Media to Play an Effective Role in Nation Building,” the Minister praised the programme’s progress.

She noted its impact on fostering similar initiatives, including partnerships with the UNDP and the British High Commission.

“The MCEP has inspired valuable collaborations and progress,” she said, adding: “A flourishing democracy is built on the foundation of an informed and capable media.”

The MCEP, launched in January 2022, is designed to provide media professionals with the skills necessary for advancing national development.

The third cohort, which runs until Friday, 13 September 2024, comprises reporters, producers, social media executives, and media critics selected by an independent committee. Over 100 journalists have benefited from previous sessions.

Participants in this cohort are expected to engage in interactive discussions and learn from seasoned facilitators, significantly contributing to their professional growth and the overall media landscape in Ghana.