Accra, Oct. 20, GNA - Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama on Saturday said government and the media complement each other in the country's socio-economic development.

He said, "While government has given the media freedom to operate, the media is the watch-dog on government policies and programmes for development through efficient and effective professional journalism". Vice President Mahama made the observation in an address read on his behalf Mr Frank Agyekum, Deputy Minister for Information and National Orientation at the 47th graduation and First congregation of Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ) in Accra.

A total of 118 students graduated at the congregation under the theme: "Whether to have a Government without a Media or a Media without a Government."

He noted that the rights and freedoms of the citizenry could be achieved when the media operated without hindrance from government. Vice President Mahama advised the students to be objective and circumspect in their reportage and put the nation's interest first. Mr O. B. Amoah, Deputy Minister of Education, Science and Sports in an address read on behalf of the Sector Minister, Professor Dominic Fobih, said sustainability of the institute was due to the calibre of journalists it had produced.

He said their impact on society was vital because journalists had the responsibility to shape the mindset of society. Mr Kweku Rockson, Acting Rector of the Institute said, GIJ in pursuit of its vision of being the preferred communication training institute in Africa and producing world-class professionals to transform society, was expanding its facilities. He said the institute had increased its staff, augmented its library and renovated its audio-visual unit to prepare students adequately to face the challenges in Information, Communication Technology (ICT).

Mr George Kwami Agboklu was adjudged the best student in print journalism, broadcast journalism and marketing while Mr Eric Dagadu won the best student in public relations and Mr Frederick Owusu, the best student in Communication Research. The Institute also adjudged Mr Frederick Owusu as the best professional student and Mr Philip Acquaye the overall best student.