Upper West Regional Minister Charles Lwanga Puozuing has called on media practitioners in the region to play a more active role in promoting accountability and addressing emerging social challenges, particularly the growing problem of drug abuse among the youth.
Speaking at a press soiree in Wa, Mr Puozuing said the media’s responsibility extended beyond reporting events, stressing that journalists were central to shaping public debate and influencing development outcomes.
“Your role transcends reportage, you shape public consciousness, influence policy conversation, and amplify the voices of the voiceless … you are not observers of development, you are partners or participants in it,” he said.
The engagement, organised to strengthen collaboration between journalists, the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) and the Regional Security Council (REGSEC), created a platform for dialogue on governance, accountability and development, which the Minister described as core pillars of democratic practice.
Mr Puozuing praised journalists in the Upper West Region for their professionalism and commitment over the years, noting that responsible journalism had helped spotlight development gaps, mobilise community action and, in some cases, attract national and international support to the region.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to democratic governance and press freedom, stating that under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, efforts were being made to improve cooperation between state institutions and the media while safeguarding editorial independence.
The Regional Minister urged media practitioners to maintain fair and balanced reporting that holds public officials accountable, while also giving prominence to development-focused and human-interest stories that reflect the lived realities of people in the region.
Addressing questions on the region’s most pressing challenges, Mr Puozuing identified rising drug abuse among young people as a major concern and appealed to the media to intensify public education and advocacy efforts. He said this would complement the work of the Regional Anti-Drug Abuse Taskforce in tackling the issue.
