Forty-five media practitioners in the Volta and Oti Regions have benefited from a weeklong training on “Good Corporate Governance” by the Institute of Directors, Ghana (IoD-Ghana).
The training was organised by the Volta/Oti branch of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) with sponsorship and supports from IoD and the Ho Technical University, with certificates awarded to participants.
Mr Rockson Dogbega, President of IoD-Ghana, at the closing ceremony of the training, said IoD’s vision was to create awareness on good corporate governance, and champion a positive revolution in its practice and needed the media to change the narrative.
He said Volta and Oti had shown the way, and announced that IoD had obtained support from the Busac Fund for trainer of trainees programmes in “Good Corporate Governance,” adding that media practitioners from across, would be within arm’s reach for opportunities in the corporate world.
Mr Dogbega challenged beneficiaries to contribute in diverse ways to the shaping of corporate governance practices in the country, and maintain the values of integrity, transparency and ethical behavior, on whose pillars the IoD and GJA had been mounted.
“I trust that you will be better enabled to provide responsible reporting to help rebuild Ghana. You have been empowered to become good ambassadors of corporate governance,” he said.
Mr Anthony Bells Kafui Kanyi, Volta/Oti Regional Chairman of GJA, commended IoD and its President for extending a hand of warmth towards the GJA, fostering a relationship that helped realised initiatives such as the Volta Press Centre, and the regional media awards among others.
He said their commitment to the training marked newer heights for the relationship, and expressed gratitude for the effort, saying the programme was fully packed and equipped beneficiaries to impact positively on good corporate governance and also help stop corruption.
Professor John Aheto, Council Member, IoD and lead facilitor at the training, congratulated the beneficiaries for the enthusiasm, commitment, and dedication and reminded journalists not to allow themselves to be muffled on their opinions, but let humility and objectivity lead them to success.
“In everything you do, it’s your integrity, your honesty and your objective especially as media people. You are the fourth realm of governance and to a large extent what we know as a world depends on what the journalists do.
“One thing that should not be said about us is that we are afraid to voice our opinion. That should not be said about us. The moment we approach an issue with all humility and difference to the person we are talking to, it doesn’t matter who the person is; we should be able to speak our minds, we should be able to articulate what we feel. There is no need to be afraid of anybody or anyone,” he said.
Mr Edward Ayimey, Pro Vice Chancellor of the Ho Technical University, urged the participants to use the knowledge on good corporate governance to transform society and asked the GJA and IoD to support each other grow.
