Asiedu Nketiah Challenges Journalists to Scrutinise Government Spending and Promises

National Chairman of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, has challenged journalists to closely scrutinise government policies, public spending and development commitments.

He urged the media to hold ministers accountable, examine public expenditure and track government promises to determine whether they are being fulfilled.

“This government should expect scrutiny. Ministers should answer legitimate questions. Public expenditure should be examined. The promises we made to Ghanaians should be checked against what we deliver,” he said.

Mr Asiedu Nketiah made the remarks at the 4th Bono Regional Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Awards held in Sunyani.

He specifically urged journalists in the Bono Region to monitor government projects and keep detailed records of public investments.

“There are billions of cedis of public investments underway in Bono today. I would encourage journalists in this region to keep the records,” he said.

According to him, journalists should document the cost, contractors, timelines and terms of major projects and later assess whether they have been completed and whether taxpayers have received value for money.

He said the media should go beyond reporting government announcements and create an accurate record that can be used to hold public officials accountable.

“Five years from now, it should be possible for somebody to go into the archives of the media in Bono and reconstruct what happened to the major development commitments being made today,” he added.

Mr Asiedu Nketiah also encouraged politicians to provide journalists with the information needed for accurate reporting and cautioned against viewing difficult questions from the media as acts of hostility.

Call for Better Working Conditions

The NDC National Chairman further called for improved working conditions and greater institutional support for journalists.

He said media organisations need adequate resources to employ and retain competent professionals, conduct investigations and maintain strong regional newsrooms.

According to him, better working conditions would enable journalists to perform their watchdog role effectively while building sustainable careers without becoming financially dependent on politicians, businesses or institutions they cover.

“If we want high professional standards, the sustainability of serious journalism deserves attention as well,” he added.

The awards ceremony was held under the theme: “Ethics, Integrity, and Impactful Journalism, Essential Ingredients for Societal Transformation.”

UENR Vice Chancellor Calls for Ethical Journalism

The guest speaker, Vice Chancellor of the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR), Prof. Elvis Asare-Bediako, also urged journalists to uphold ethics, integrity and accuracy in their work.

He described journalism as a form of leadership capable of influencing public opinion, shaping civic behaviour and inspiring collective action.

Prof. Asare-Bediako urged journalists to verify facts and sources before publication, warning that misinformation could undermine public trust.

He further encouraged journalists to avoid sensationalism and prioritise public interest, fairness and balance in their reporting.