Mr Ibrahim-Tanko Amidu, programme manager of Star Ghana addressing the signing ceremony

Beneficiaries are the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Joy FM, Multi TV, CITI FM, Public Agenda, GDA Concepts- The StandPoint, New Times Corporation and two Columnists, Dr Doris Dartey and Mr Kwesi Gyan-Appenteng.

They are expected to focus on specific interventions aimed at increasing among other things the accountability and responsiveness of key stakeholders, particularly, the Electoral Commission, judiciary, security services and political parties; ensure conflict prevention, especially in hotspots, through responsible media reportage and interrogating the manifestoes of political parties. This would ensure that politicians are made accountable to their election promises.

Mr Ibrahim-Tanko Amidu, Programme Manager, STAR-Ghana,  described the media sponsorship basically was as a result of lessons learnt after the 2008 General Elections, which nearly plunged the nation into a state of confusion because of certain irresponsible media activities and reportage.

He acknowledged the critical role of the media in promoting peace, unity, public education and also ensuring that political leaders are made accountable to the electorates in the implementation of pro-poor issues, including the allocation of resources and services for the poor and disadvantaged that are enshrined in their manifestoes.

He said STAR-Ghana currently focuses on certain thematic areas, which include promoting quality basic education, rural health, oil and gas sector with gender and social inclusion being cross-cutting issues.

He said STAR-Ghana has, consequently, awarded a total of more than 5. 37 million dollars for 53 projects being undertaken by 51 civil society organisations, including media organisations.

Mr Allan Joseph-Bogrebon, an Official with the EU, representing the donors, explained that donors were not seeking to unduly interfere in the affairs of Ghana, but in an interdependent world, where instability in one part of the world could affect stability everywhere in the world, it was proper that development partners provided the needed support to enable the relevant organisations carry out their responsibilities fairly.

He, therefore, urged the media to exhibit a high sense of professionalism without compromising national interest for their own parochial interests.

Dr Doris Dartey, a columnist on behalf of the beneficiaries, thanked their benefactors for the assistance and pledged to put in their best to uphold peace, unity, accountability and a sustained democracy in Ghana through responsible journalism.

Source: GNA

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