The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) leadership has voiced apprehension over the perceived integration of state institutions with the government's interests.

The party has called on the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) to ensure that the media plays a pivotal role in holding both the government and state entities accountable for their inactions.

Led by the General Secretary of the NDC, Mr Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, the party's leadership paid a courtesy visit to the GJA on Thursday, August 30, 2023. 

During the visit, Mr. Kwetey highlighted that the encroachment of government's influence into institutions is a direct consequence of the prevailing economic challenges faced by the country.

He pointed to the actions of the Governor of the central Bank and the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC) as evidence of institutions functioning as extensions of the government.

Mr Kwetey emphasised that accountability is a critical pillar for sustaining the country's democracy.

Lamenting the situation, he expressed his concerns about the Electoral Commission's behaviour, which he perceived as aligning with government directives rather than acting independently. 

He noted that such tendencies could prove detrimental to the nation's democratic fabric and called for timely intervention.

In response to these issues, Mr Kwetey called upon the media to embrace its watchdog role more vigorously and actively hold the government and state institutions accountable for their actions and decisions.

The NDC General Secretary underlined that the purpose of the courtesy call was to introduce the new NDC leadership to the GJA and subsequently engage in discussions about pertinent national matters. He lauded the contributions of the media to Ghana's democracy while acknowledging the occasional missteps.

Mr Kwetey stressed the importance of institutions fulfilling their designated roles and underscored the media's significant role in ensuring the nation's democratic survival.

On the other side of the dialogue, Mr Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, President of the GJA, commended the NDC leadership for initiating the conversation. He called for increased collaboration between the media and political parties to enhance Ghana's democratic processes.

While expressing appreciation for the collaboration, he expressed concern about instances of attacks and discrimination against the media by certain political parties. Mr. Dwumfour asserted the GJA's commitment to championing the welfare of the media and safeguarding its role in society.

Reassuring the NDC delegation and other political parties, the GJA committed to delivering impartial and equitable media coverage, particularly in the lead-up to the crucial 2024 elections.

The NDC delegation, featuring Mr Fifi Fiavi Kwetey and several other notable members, engaged with the GJA leadership, comprising Mr. Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, Madam Linda Asante Adjei, Mr Kofi Yeboah, Mr Dominic Hlordzi, and Rebecca Ekpe.

This dialogue highlights the NDC's concerns regarding the potential influence of government on state institutions and underscores the role of the media in ensuring transparency and accountability.