Full Text: Speech delivered by Chief of Staff Frema Osei Opare at the opening of the 3rd African Media Convention in Accra

CHIEF OF STAFF, OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT AT THE OPENING OF THE AFRICAN MEDIA CONVENTION AT THE AICC

DISTINGUISHED LADIES AND GENTLEMEN

It is a great honour and privilege to be invited to the 3rd African Media Convention here in Accra and to address you on the theme, ‘Enhancing Freedom, Innovation, and Environmental Sustainability in a Dynamic Media Landscape’.

Mahamudu Bawumia.

 

Environmental crisis, driven largely by rising climate change, is severely biting all fifty-four (54) countries on our continent.

The theme for this Convention ‘Enhancing Freedom, Innovation, and Environmental Sustainability in a Dynamic Media Landscape’, could not have come at an opportune time, for the African media to interact and deliberate on the role of journalists, in combating both climate change and environmental crisis in Africa.

DISTINGUISHED LADIES AND GENTLEMEN

The press, which is considered as the fourth estate of the realm, constitutes a segment of society that has an indirect but influential role in political systems under democracies.

In fact, research have estimated that the impact of climate change on the African continent would be worse than slavery and colonialism, and thus, behoves on the African media to accept its role in combating climate change and its attendant environmental crisis.

I therefore charge you to be ambassadors of timely and accurate dissemination of information in safeguarding socio-economic development across our continent.Again, as has been observed in the past, the media beyond its public education mandate, could also police important roles of the State, such as the development and enforcement of an effective legislative regime that guarantees environmental sustainability.In bringing my address to a close, I urge policy makers, international organizations, media practitioners and other representatives of the African States present in Accra for this Convention, to use the occasion to highlight the importance of reliable and accurate information in addressing environmental crises, particularly climate change, and its disproportionate impact on Africa.

 

I also urge that we strengthen collaboration between media organizations, civil society organizations, governments, and international bodies to promote and protect press freedom and freedom of expression.

Let me use this occasion to advocate for greater support for the media to enhance their capacity for climate change reporting.

Together, let us embark on this journey towards a prosperous future, where environmental sustainability shine brightly, and climate smart reporting becomes a force for social and economic advancement in Africa.

 

LONG LIVE THE AFRICAN MEDIA CONVENTION!!!

LONG LIVE AFRICA’S ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY EFFORTS!!!

LONG LIVE AFRICA!!!

THANK YOU FOR YOUR KIND ATTENTION.

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