The Minister of Information, Fatimatu Abubakar, has paid a working visit to Class Media Group (CMG) in Accra, today, Tuesday, 28 May 2024 as part of her media tour.

During her visit, she urged the managers of CMG to take advantage of the International Fund for Public Interest Media (IFPIM), headquartered in Ghana, to access grants for their operations.

“Government has won the bid to host the regional office for Africa and the Middle East for the International Fund for Public Interest Media (IFPIM). They provide grants and support to ensure that public interest media is sustainable. I encourage you to apply and access the resources,” she advised the managers of CMG.

Ms Abubakar highlighted several media support initiatives undertaken by the Ministry of Information, including the Media Capacity Enhancement Programme (MCEP). This non-political, non-agenda setting capacity building programme is available for journalists, and she urged CMG management to encourage their staff to participate in the third cohort starting in June.

Addressing the issue of journalist safety, Ms Abubakar mentioned the coordinated mechanism involving the National Media Commission (NMC) and the Ministry of Information. This mechanism provides a platform for media practitioners who have been intimidated, attacked, or threatened to petition the NMC. The NMC then validates the claims and guides the journalists through the justice system. Ms Abubakar stressed, “We want people to be punished for attempting to harm or attack journalists to serve as a deterrent to others.”

The Minister also called for unanimous support from the media to expedite the passage of the broadcasting bill when it is presented to parliament.

She stressed that the bill is crucial for the development of the media industry and the country as a whole, highlighting that it will help regulate the broadcasting industry, promote local content, and protect the rights of consumers, especially children.

During her visit, Ms Abubakar expressed her solidarity with CMG over the recent petrol bomb attack on the station and assured them of her office's support in seeking justice as the police continue to investigate the case.

Madam Elizabeth Tsekpodoe, the Human Resource Manager of CMG, thanked the Minister for her visit and congratulated her on her appointment.

She expressed excitement about the broadcasting bill being laid before parliament during Ms Abubakar's tenure and assured the Minister of her personal support and that of women in the media for the bill to be passed, aiming to clean up the media space.

The Information Minister’s media tour is part of her efforts to understand the operational challenges faced by media houses in the country and to gather recommendations from practitioners for necessary reforms in the media sector.