Journalists in the Savannah Region have been called upon to take a more proactive role in reporting on Ghana’s oil and gas sector, following a capacity-building workshop organized by the Public Interest and Accountability Committee (PIAC) in Damongo.
The training, held at the Labour Office conference room on Monday, April 13th, brought together media practitioners from across the region in an effort to deepen their understanding of petroleum revenue management and strengthen their role in promoting transparency and accountability.
Leading the engagement, Zambaga Rufai Saminu, Chairman of PIAC’s Public Affairs and Communications Sub-Committee, urged journalists to develop a keen interest in oil and gas reporting, describing the sector as a cornerstone of Ghana’s economy.
He emphasized that the media plays a critical role in shaping public awareness, noting that many citizens remain disconnected from key decisions due to limited access to clear and relevant information.
“For a long time, oil and gas reporting has been left to a few specialists,” Saminu stated, challenging journalists to take collective responsibility for covering the sector.
He highlighted transparency as essential to building trust between government and citizens, stressing that journalists must serve as a bridge by making complex information accessible to the public.
Saminu also underscored the importance of accountability, describing it as a duty that must be upheld by both institutions and the media. He noted that journalists act as watchdogs, ensuring that managers of petroleum resources remain answerable to the public.
Touching on regulatory compliance, he explained that laws governing the petroleum industry are designed to protect national interests and guarantee that Ghana’s resources benefit both present and future generations.
Source: Padfm.com.gh/Kumatey Gorden/0243531604
