Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has reiterated the government’s commitment to settling outstanding debts in the energy sector and protecting journalists from harassment.
Speaking on TV3 as part of the Government Accountability Series, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu explained that the government has put measures in place to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of funds within the energy sector. According to him, payments made so far to players in the sector are based on verified submissions of what they have achieved, stressing that the amounts paid do not necessarily represent the total debt owed.
He emphasized that the government remains committed to paying down the energy sector debt gradually. “Having been able to pay this amount, you can be assured that more payments will be made going forward so that, eventually, the entire debt will be removed from the books,” he stated.
The Minister added that efforts are also underway to open up financing opportunities within the energy sector to ensure its long-term sustainability.
Touching on the recent assaults and intimidation of journalists, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu described such acts as unacceptable and condemned them in no uncertain terms. He said the incidents demonstrate the need for immediate action by relevant authorities to address the problem of indiscriminate attacks on media practitioners.
He noted that President John Dramani Mahama has made it clear that the government does not endorse any form of assault, harassment, or intimidation against journalists or any other professional group. The President, he said, has also expressed the government’s desire to work closely with stakeholders to retrain personnel across the security agencies on how to relate professionally with journalists.
Mr. Kwakye Ofosu reaffirmed that media freedom remains a cornerstone of Ghana’s democracy and assured journalists of the government’s commitment to protecting their rights and safety.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Amuzu Priscilla
