The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Sagnarigu, Hon. Abdulai Imoro Gong, has called on media organisations and stakeholders to intensify efforts to equip young people with digital skills, promote innovation and create sustainable employment opportunities.
He made the call on Saturday when he delivered an address on behalf of the Northern Regional Minister, Hon. Ali Adolf John, at the 2026 Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Northern Region Awards held at Radach Lodge in Tamale.
The event, which celebrated excellence and professionalism in journalism, was held under the theme βEmpowering the Next Generation: The Role of the Media in Digital Skills, Innovation and Youth Opportunities.β
Hon. Gong congratulated the GJA Northern Region for organising the awards, describing the initiative as an important platform for recognising journalists whose work promotes democracy, accountability, public education and community development. He also congratulated the nominees and award winners, urging them to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and service to society.
He noted that digital technology was transforming sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture, commerce and governance, creating new opportunities for economic growth. However, he stressed that young people must be equipped with relevant digital skills and given access to technology to benefit from the emerging opportunities.
The Sagnarigu MCE urged the media to move beyond reporting events and disseminating information to become an active partner in digital education, entrepreneurship and youth empowerment. He said media platforms could educate young people on digital literacy, online safety, responsible social media use, digital marketing, software development and content creation.
He further encouraged media organisations to showcase young innovators, entrepreneurs and businesses whose initiatives were creating jobs and addressing community challenges. According to him, highlighting such success stories would inspire other young people to develop their talents and contribute meaningfully to national development.
Hon. Gong emphasised that young people across the Northern Region, including those in remote rural communities, should have access to digital skills that would enable them to compete for employment and business opportunities locally and internationally. He maintained that geographical location and economic circumstances should not limit their prospects.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to youth empowerment, digital transformation and job creation through improved access to education and skills training, support for entrepreneurship and the creation of an enabling environment for private-sector growth. He also identified photography, filmmaking, music, graphic design and digital journalism as areas within the creative economy that could provide sustainable livelihoods.
The MCE called on media houses, educational institutions, technology companies, financial institutions, development partners and government agencies to collaborate in providing practical training and opportunities for young people. He also encouraged media organisations to establish internships, newsroom attachments and mentorship programmes for journalism students and young graduates.
On responsible journalism, Hon. Gong warned that misinformation, disinformation, cyberbullying and online fraud could undermine public trust and social cohesion. He urged journalists to exercise caution when reporting on sensitive issues, particularly security matters, communal disputes and chieftaincy conflicts, stressing the importance of verifying information before publication.
He called on journalists to uphold accuracy, fairness, independence, balance and responsibility, noting that freedom of expression must be exercised with an appreciation of its potential consequences. He also commended journalists in the Northern Region for their contributions to public education, peacebuilding, development communication and democratic accountability, often under difficult working conditions.
Hon. Gong encouraged the GJA to strengthen ethical standards and continuous professional development, particularly in digital reporting, data journalism, multimedia storytelling and the responsible use of artificial intelligence. Speaking on behalf of the Regional Minister, he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to partnerships that promote digital inclusion, youth development, peace and sustainable economic growth.
He also appealed to corporate bodies, businesses and institutions operating in the region to support the GJA Northern Region Awards, describing the initiative as an investment in professional journalism and regional development. He congratulated the award winners and nominees and urged journalists to continue upholding the integrity of the profession.