Mr Eric Opoku, the Ashanti Regional Minister, has called on politicians to ensure that all stakeholders are involved in the management of the affairs of the society.

He said, “I come with clean a heart and hands to handle the affairs of the region” as the business of community, regional and national development was a serious one, which requires the active participation and support from all.

He said for results to be achieved, it would be unnecessary, unhealthy and unproductive to take a partisan approach to getting things done.

Mr Opoku said this whiles delivering the keynote address at this year’s World Press Freedom Day, observed by Journalists in the Ashanti Region.

He said he would serve the people in the Region with impartiality and called on all to lend the needed support to the development the region saying his doors were always open to all irrespective of one’s party affiliation.

Mr Opoku said the media, as the fourth estate of the realm, plays an essential role in the development of the nation.

It is, therefore, the responsibility of all stakeholders in national development, including journalists to ensure their safety and efficient performance.

“The task of ensuring the safety of journalists is a shared responsibility of all stakeholders, including journalists themselves; as we work towards press freedom, it is equally valuable for journalists to promote objectivity and unbiased reportage in the discharge of their individual and collective professional duties,” he stated.

Mr Opoku lamented on the situation where some journalists, without cross checking facts, rush out with unverifiable information saying this was quite unprofessional.

“If you are unable to obtain information from the district level, don’t hesitate to walk straight to my office, for the necessary attention,” he said.

The occasion also coincided with the swearing into office of the new executive for the Ashanti Regional branch of the Ghana Journalists Association under the chairmanship of Listowell Yesu Bukarson, by Judge William Boampong, a Circuit Court Judge.

Also present was the Deputy Ashanti Regional Minister, Mr Samuel Yaw Adusei.

The function was chaired by Nana Owusu Afriyie IV, Apagyahene.