The Information Minister-designate and former Deputy Information Minister under the New Patriotic Party administration, Fatimatu Abubakar has expressed opposition to the calls for the scrapping or merging of the Information Ministry and further launched strong advocacy for the maintenance of the Ministry.
Ms Fatimatu Abubakar reacting to calls, suggesting the scrapping or merging of the Information Ministry with the Communications Ministry during her vetting before the Appointment Committee of Parliament on Friday, March 8, 2024, vehemently argued that the merging or the scrapping of the Information Ministry would severely affect state agencies affiliated to it.
Expressing the dire need for a dedicated sector ministry for Information, Ms Abubakar highlighted the historical challenges that the various agencies under the Ministry of Information faced under the National Democratic Congress administration when it was merged with the Communications Ministry.
Reflecting on the past merger with the Communications Ministry, the Information Minister-designate stated that when the ministry was merged during the previous administration with the Communications Ministry, there was a serious problem in relations to the working relationship between the Ministry of Information and the Information Service Department.
Contrary to calls for the scrapping or merging of the Information Ministry, Ms Abubakar stressed the positive impact of having a ministry specifically dedicated to information dissemination.
She argued that although key entities under the ministry might not be income-generating, they play a vital public duty that demands attention and support from the government and the general public.
“It pays that we have a minded sector ministry, that despite the fact that the key entities under the ministry are not income-generating, they play a public duty, and we need to pay attention to them. It has improved the fortunes under the ministry”
Information Minister Designate, Fatimatu Abubakar
Furthermore, the Information Minister designate, Fatimatu Abubakar emphasized that the Information Ministry serves a crucial role in shaping public perception, disseminating government policies, and fostering communication between the government and its citizens.
Ms Abubakar thus called for a nuanced understanding of the ministry’s functions, emphasizing that the challenges it faces are intrinsic to its public service role.
NMC Urged To Intensify Its Regulatory Functions
Touching on the issues of incessant attacks and defamation of some public officers, particularly government officials by some sections of the media, the former Deputy Minister of Information urged the National Media Commission to take immediate actions against media personalities that are found culpable of such acts.
She noted that if the National Media Commission intensify its regulatory and supervisory responsibilities by administering punishment or penalties to media practitioners who are found guilty of actions such as defamation against any public officer, it would go a long to sanitize the media landscape in the country and also restore the confidence of the general public in the media.
In addition, the Information Minister-designate, Fatimatu Abubakar called on the government and all state institutions as well as non-governmental organizations interested in gender inclusion to provide an environment for women across the country to succeed in their respective endeavors.
Ms Abubakar further underscored the pivotal role of women in every sector, highlighting the significant contributions of women towards the development of the country.
“As a gender advocate, especially on this International Women’s Day, I emphasize the necessity for the amplification of feminine voices. The diverse examples, dynamics, and perspectives that women bring to the table are invaluable”.
Information Minister Designate, Fatimatu Abubakar
She thus called for the provision of ample opportunities for the growth and advancement of women in Ghana.
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