The National Security Minister, Albert Kan-Dapaah, has called on media practitioners to ensure they do away with sensational stories which can have serious security implications in the country. He urged them to rather safeguard the peace Ghana is enjoying by using their platforms to champion development and unity.
Speaking at an engagement with media practitioners, Mr. Kan Dapaah, stated that the media plays an important duty and as such the reason for the National Security’s concern.
“The media by definition is an independent institution. There is a limit to the role of other accountability institutions but the media possesses the independence that enables it to hold the government to account. That is why it is important that our media men and women don’t play with the security and stability of the country.
“Also, it is important that the media is able to do away with sensational stories that have very serious security implications,;and not because it will help to sell newspapers and get viewership. We don’t help ourselves by continually raining down on our soldiers. This is the time we need our soldiers.”
Kan Dapaah
Mr. Kan Dapaah further stated that the media must not take Ghana’s peace for granted after the terror attacks in neighboring countries,;adding that the Ghana Armed Forces are on top of their game to protect the nation’s borders.
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Mr. Kan Dapaah admonished the media to be circumspect about what they write about the security agencies;adding that the National Security wants to build trust with the state security apparatus and it is in their interest to work with them. He urged the media to help the National Security in ensuring the country is secured. Also,
The National Security minister then said the engagement is the first of three sessions, put together by the National Security Ministry and the Ministry of Information,;to solicit broad-based input from stakeholders,;including the media, on the implementation of the NSS. Mr. Ken-Dapaah said the government is using the engagements;primarily to equip the media with appropriate information on the document and how it will be implemented.
Also speaking at the gathering,;the Minister for Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah,;whose ministry facilitated the engagement, underscored the need for extensive education and sensitization on the strategy’s content. He said the engagement is important because it will give interested groups the opportunity to deepen their understanding of their roles in implementing the strategy.
The National Security Strategy (NSS) document was launched on 7 June 2021 by President Akufo-Addo;as one of a range of measures to co-ordinate a national response effort which will help to protect and safeguard the country from threats,;risks and challenges to its security and stability on the domestic and international fronts alike. Also,
President Akufo-Addo charged the National Security Ministry and all its partner security institutions;to prioritize the full implementation of the country’s first-ever National Security Strategy (NSS) in order to ensure that Ghana remains a peaceful and secure state. Also,
