Accra, Aug. 15, GNA - A Deputy Minister of Information, Mr Andrews Awuni on Friday asked media practitioners to focus more on the promotion of economic activities within the informal sector to help speed up the development process.

He said the media could help stimulate wealth creation and economic growth through the spread of personal success stories of some economic operators within the sector to spur other citizens to pursue similar ventures.

Mr Awuni was speaking at the launch of a World Bank Publication entitled: "The Right to Tell, the Role of the Mass Media in Economic Development," in Accra.

The 19-chapter book emphasises the importance of the media and stressed the crucial role that a free and effective press could play in the success of a country's development efforts.

The book also deals with the potential harm that an unethical, propagandistic, or irresponsible press can cause to the peace of a country.

Mr Awuni said the current trend in which Journalists and politicians had hijacked the media to expound their own interest was not helping the national development effort.

"We need to move the spotlight off politicians and Journalists themselves to discuss the issues that will promote the nation's development," he said.

Mr Awuni said the government would continue to exhibit openness and transparency in its dealings to ensure that it was accountable to the people that gave it the mandate to rule.

To further demonstrate government's commitment to accountability, the Whistleblower Bill and the Information Bill would soon be passed to provide Journalists unimpeded access to information to enable them to play their watchdog roles effectively.

Dr Baffour Agyeman-Duah, Director, Centre for Democratic Development, who launched the book, said a strong and assertive media would enhance a liberal and tolerant society.

He urged all to hold fast to the tenets of democratic governance since it could enhance the right and access to information. Dr Agyeman-Duah cautioned Journalists to exercise carefully the information they received in order not to threaten the peace of the country.

Mr Yaw Boadu Ayeboafo, Editor of Daily Graphic, said media exposure could protect government against public selfishness. He said the use of distorted information could wreak havoc on the country and asked Journalists to take measured steps to protect the peace. Mr David Newton, Director of the Ghana Institute of Journalism said self-regulatory mechanisms within the journalism profession are essential to maintain standards and avoid breach of societal norms. Professor Kwesi Yankah, Dean of the Faculty of Arts University of Ghana, expressed the hope that the freedom of information act would heighten the responsibility of Journalists to act with circumspection in the way they handle information.

Mr Ben Ephson, Editor of Dispatch, called for a protection mechanism for public officials who let out official secrets. Mr Marts Karlson, World Bank Country Director, said a good and effective media provide society with the opportunities to examine the various life choices opened to them.

Professor Kwame Gyekye, Board Chairman of Graphic Communications Group, said economic development could hardly take place when money meant for development is siphoned into private accounts. He said the media must play its role in economic development adequately to bring about change. 15 Aug. 03