Deputy Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Hon. Mohammed Adams Sukparu, has underscored the indispensable role of journalism in shaping Africa’s digital transformation, calling for deeper collaboration between governments, media, civil society, and the private sector to build a safe, open and inclusive digital ecosystem.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister, Hon. Samuel Nartey George, at the opening of the 2025 West Africa Media Excellence Conference and Awards (WAMECA) in Accra, Hon. Sukparu commended the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) and its partners for sustaining a platform that brings together media professionals, policymakers, citizens and development partners to reflect and chart pathways for a better West Africa.
“The theme for this year, Journalism and Digital Public Infrastructure in Africa, is both bold and relevant. It invites us to think deeply about how the tools that power our digital economies can also strengthen democracy, transparency and inclusion,” he stated.
The Deputy Minister highlighted the ongoing wave of digital transformation across the continent, including the rollout of national ID systems, mobile payment platforms and online service portals that form the backbone of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).
In Ghana, he said, initiatives such as the Ghana Card, mobile money interoperability, and the ghana.gov platform are driving public service efficiency and financial inclusion. However, he cautioned that technology alone is not a panacea.
Quoting the United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, he said:
“Technology can be a force for good, but only if it serves people, protects their rights and helps bridge divides rather than deepen them.”
Hon. Sukparu stressed that journalism plays a critical role in ensuring that digital technologies empower citizens rather than control them.
“A strong, free and ethical media is the bedrock of digital democracy. When journalists help citizens understand and question new technologies, they transform innovation into empowerment,” he emphasised.
The Deputy Minister lauded MFWA fellows whose investigative and data-driven journalism has enhanced transparency, improved public access to services, and strengthened accountability in digital governance. He urged journalists to embrace digital tools and data journalism to drive development-focused reporting.
He also emphasised that digital transformation is a shared journey requiring the active involvement of government, civil society, academia, the private sector, and regional bodies like ECOWAS, represented at the event by Mr Ebenezer Asiedu.
“Our challenges and solutions extend beyond national borders. We must work together to make the digital space safe, open and inclusive,” he noted.
Hon. Sukparu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting journalists both online and offline, noting that a free and secure media landscape is essential for strengthening public trust and deepening democracy.
He congratulated journalists who will be honoured at the WAMECA Awards Ceremony on Saturday, recognising their outstanding contributions to media excellence in West Africa.
Declaring the 2025 West Africa Media Excellence Conference and Awards officially open, the Deputy Minister expressed hope that the gathering will spark new ideas, strong partnerships and lasting change across the region.
“May this conference spark new ideas, strong partnerships and lasting change across the region,” he concluded.
Click the link Puretvonline.com | WhatsApp Channel to join the WhatsApp channel
GOT A STORY?
Contact/WhatsApp: +233243201960 or manuelnkansah33@gmail.com