Sagnarigu MCE Calls for Media-led Digital skills Development at GJA Awards
The Municipal Chief Executive for Sagnarigu, Hon. Abdulai Imoro Gong, has called on media organisations and other 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.
Held under the theme, “Empowering the Next Generation: The Role of the Media in Digital Skills, Innovation and Youth Opportunities,” the event celebrated excellence and professionalism in journalism while highlighting the media’s role in youth empowerment and national development.
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 observed that digital technology was transforming key sectors, including education, healthcare, agriculture, commerce and governance, creating new opportunities for economic growth and employment. However, he stressed that young people needed relevant digital skills, access to technology and practical training to take advantage of these emerging opportunities.
The Sagnarigu MCE urged media organisations to move beyond conventional news reporting and information dissemination to become active partners in digital education, entrepreneurship and youth empowerment. He said media platforms could play a significant role in educating young people on digital literacy, online safety, responsible social media use, digital marketing, software development and content creation.
He further encouraged media houses to spotlight young innovators, entrepreneurs and businesses whose initiatives were creating jobs and addressing community challenges. According to him, showcasing such success stories would inspire other young people to develop their talents, pursue innovative ideas and contribute meaningfully to national development.
Hon. Gong emphasised that young people across the Northern Region, particularly those in remote and rural communities, must have equal opportunities to acquire digital skills and compete for employment and business opportunities locally and internationally. He maintained that geographical location and economic circumstances should not become barriers to their progress.
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 promising areas within the creative economy that could provide sustainable livelihoods for young people.
The MCE called for stronger collaboration among media houses, educational institutions, technology companies, financial institutions, development partners and government agencies to provide practical training and create opportunities for the youth. He also urged media organisations to establish internship, newsroom attachment and mentorship programmes to equip journalism students and young graduates with the skills and experience needed to succeed in the profession.
On responsible journalism, Hon. Gong cautioned that misinformation, disinformation, cyberbullying and online fraud posed serious threats to 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 need to verify information before publication.
He called on journalists to uphold accuracy, fairness, independence, balance and responsibility, noting that freedom of expression must be exercised with a clear understanding of its potential consequences. He commended journalists in the Northern Region for their contributions to public education, peacebuilding, development communication and democratic accountability, often under challenging working conditions.
Hon. Gong also encouraged the GJA to strengthen professional ethics and continuous training, particularly in digital reporting, data journalism, multimedia storytelling and the responsible use of artificial intelligence. Speaking on behalf of the Northern Regional Minister, he reiterated the government’s commitment to partnerships that advance digital inclusion, youth development, peace and sustainable economic growth.
He further appealed to corporate organisations, 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.
Hon. Gong congratulated the award winners and nominees and urged journalists to continue upholding the integrity of the profession while using their platforms to promote innovation, empower young people and contribute to the development of the Northern Region.
