By Rachel Kakraba
Executive Director STAR Ghana Foundation, Amidu Ibrahim- Tanko, has hinted of plans of the Foundation to partner with the Ghana Journalists Association, GJA, to build the capacity of journalists for next year’s District Level elections as well as the 2024 general elections. This he said is to equip the competence of the Ghanaian media on election coverage to prevent any excesses. Interacting with some National Executives of the GJA, in Accra, Mr. Ibrahim- Tanko, said the move will target citizens to strengthen the civic space as it will create the right environment where citizens are able to hold leaders accountable.
“We are likely to do something in the election and there may be opportunities for us to work together. But I think beyond grants funding, issuing of grants we also see strengthening of the Civic space, play key role in protecting the Civic space and creating the environment for citizens to hold leaders accountable”
He said the GJA is a formidable force in nation-building, hence the Foundation’s consistent engagement with it.
“GJA and Star Ghana went a long way right from 2010 when we started giving out grants in 2011. Consistently we have engaged with the GJA more broadly, we have also engaged with the Media.
Mr. Ibrahim- Tanko said the media’s role in public education which engenders active citizens reflects one of the key mandates of the Star Ghana Foundation adding “the concept of active citizenship is at the heart of what we seek by explaining to people to understand what we mean by active citizenship”.
Mr. Ibrahim-Tanko was joined in the meeting by Programme Manager for STAR Ghana Foundation, Eunice Agbeyandzi.
President of the GJA Albert Dwumfuor, commended the Foundation for its immense contribution in sensitizing citizens to be vibrant and assertive citizens which are key to national development. He said the GJA would explore new areas of collaboration to build on gains made especially in the area of press freedom.
“The Foundation has over the period also worked towards the development of a vibrant well informed and assertive citizens. You have done that not through only the GJA but through other institutions and organizations. It has helped a section of the people be able to contribute and transform in the national development of this country”.
He appealed to the Foundation to continue to build the capacity of journalists through constant engagement and sensitization.
The GJA President was accompanied to the meeting by the General Secretary Kofi Yeboah, Organizing Secretary, Dominic Hlodzi and Public Affairs Officer, Rebecca Ekpe.