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Editors commit to promote Ghana’s Oil and Gas sector accountability

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Themed “Promoting oil and gas issues in the newsroom: The role of the Editor”, eight (8) editors from print and broadcast media houses successfully participated in the Editors Liaison held in Koforidua from 20th to 22nd October, 2017. The workshop aimed at contributing to the national drive towards preventing corruption and strengthening accountability, by providing support to the media to simplify and amplify sector issues to better inform the public.

Dr. Zormelo, Chief Executive Officer of Zormelo and Associates made a presentation on the topic “Developing an Indigenous Oil & Gas Sector” in Ghana. During his presentation, he emphasized on the need for an indigenous oil & gas sector, requirements for developing an indigenous oil & gas sector and how local content could be enhanced.

Mr. Samuel Bekoe, also spoke on the topic “Current trends and developments in Ghana’s oil and gas sector”. Exposing participants to some intriguing issues, he charged them to seek all capacity and support needed to practically monitor and have an oversight function over oil revenue.

Other speakers included, Dr Ishmael Ackah, Dr Kojo Stephens and Dr. Doris Dartey, who took turns to expose the editors to some strategies and skills needs for ensuring transparency and accountability for inclusive growth.

Selected editors from the Business and Financial Times, EIB Network, Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), Multimedia Group, Graphic Communication Group among others also outlined challenges such as funding, lack of adequate newsroom staff, lack of sector expertise among others and appealed for help so as to build their capacity

The Editors Liaison formed part of project activities under Penplusbytes’ “Enhancing the Role of the Media in Promoting Oil and Gas Sector Transparency and Accountability” project with support the Ghana Oil and Gas for Inclusive Growth (GOGIG). The project seeks to find solutions to increase transparency and accountability through effective media and public oversight on the oil and gas resource and its revenue management. It will also provide an opportunity to deliberate on trending issues affecting the sector and devise pathways of getting the media to contribute to the national drive towards good governance of the sector.