Mr. John Dramani Mahama is the Vice President of the Republic of Ghana
By William Yaw Owusu
Thursday March 11, 2010.
The Vice President, John Dramani Mahama says the performance of Graphic Communications Group Limited (GCGL) is an indication that State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) can stand on their feet and support national development without too much difficulty.
“The performance of the Graphic Communications Group Limited has shattered the myth that SOEs cannot perform well,” he said
Vice President Mahama was speaking at the official launch of the 60th anniversary celebration of GCGL in Accra yesterday.
The celebration, which is under the theme, “60 years of leadership in news and advertising; supporting national development in a transformed media landscape,” was attended by a host of dignitaries including former editors and board members.
“There are good indications about the performance of GCGL. It is not surprising to me, therefore, that your turnover increases from year to year.
“Graphic has made quiet significant contributions to Ghana’s development over the last 60 years and it has contributed greatly to the development of true professional journalism in Ghana,” he added.
Mr. Mahama commended GCGL for creating a platform for the public to channel their grievances to government.
He also praised them for instituting a governance dialogue and business forum, noting, “These exchanges enhance democratic development and I believe I can safely say that GCGL has lived up to expectation.”
The Vice President reiterated government’s resolve not to harass journalists because of their editorial views, but pleaded with the media to “balance freedom with responsibility in order not to injure the reputation of others for no just cause.”
James Agyenim Boateng, Deputy Minister of Information, who represented John Tia Akologu, the substantive minister, said the government would continue to put at the forefront an open engagement with the public at all times.
“Government’s quest to run an open and transparent administration requires the provision of timely information to the people at all times.
“We cannot engage the public effectively without newspapers like Daily Graphic and I look forward to a lot more cordial relationship with the media in order to communicate to our people to enhance our development,” he emphasized.
Ibrahim Mohammed Awal, Managing Director of GCGL said the company over the last five years paid about GH¢157 million as dividends and taxes, indicating that “it would continue to spend about GH¢2 million on social responsibility and outreach programmes.”
“We are looking at other options that would continue to sustain GCGL and not to depend solely on cover prices of adverts.
“Apart from the annual governance dialogue and business forum, GCGL would start a dialogue on oil to bring experts to discuss the oil find in Ghana,” he disclosed.
In a goodwill message, Elvis Aryeh, a former Editor of the Daily Graphic and current member of the National Media Commission (NMC), who spoke on behalf of the commission, noted that the media currently faces numerous challenges including how journalists could avoid politicians to ensure high ethical standards.
He urged GCGL to “live up to its constitutional mandate by ensuring fair reportage.”
Emmanuel Baba Mahama, a board member of GCGL promised his outfit readiness to set the pace in the media industry.
Also see : www.dailyguideghana.com
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