Demand Accountability From Public Officials � Kabral

The Chairman of the National Media Commission (NMC), Mr Kabral Blay-Amihere, has urged media organisations to hold the arms of government accountable to Ghanaians. He, however, advised the media to be professional in their efforts to demand accountability from public officials and institutions. Mr Blay-Amihere made the remarks at the swearing-in of the new executive of the Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA) in Accra. The new members of the Executive Council, which has a three-year mandate, comprises Mr Akwasi Agyeman of Global Media Alliance, President; Mr Samuel Atta-Mensah of Citi FM, Vice President; Mr Andrew Aninkora of Kessben FM; Mr George Fausta Baffoe of Kantinka FM and Mr Steve Eshun of Sunny FM. GIBA Council of Presidents The ceremony also witnessed the inauguration of the GIBA Council of Presidents, which would be an advocacy body for the association. The council is made up of past presidents of the association Mr Blay-Amihere said an independent media could function effectively as a �watchdog� over the various arms of government if it upheld the ethical principles of journalism. He also tasked the media to set new agenda that would unite rather than divide the country, and pledged the commitment of the NMC in that regard. Support to new executives For his part, the past President of the GIBA, Chief Crystal-Djirackor, said he was confident that the new executive would effectively manage the affairs of the association, adding that �it is our belief and trust that the incoming leadership would be bold and firm in the discharge of their duties to GIBA members in particular and Ghanaians in general�. He gave an assurance that the past leaders were ready to assist the new executive to steer the affairs of the association. The new President of GIBA, Mr Agyeman, in his address, said the new executive would work hard to continue the great work done by the past executive. He also stated that the association would collaborate with the National Communication Authority (NCA) and other state agencies to ensure the smooth migration of all television networks onto the digital platform. Mr Agyeman, on behalf of the new executive, expressed his appreciation to the members of the association for the confidence reposed in them.