In the ever-changing landscape of governance and communication, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah’s tenure as Minister for Information has seen an unprecedented wave of transformation and innovation.
As President Akufo-Addo transfers him to the Ministry of Works and Housing, it is critical to reflect on his remarkable legacy and the long-term impact he has had in transforming the Ministry of Information into a beacon of transparency, accountability, and modernization.
Throughout his tenure, Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah has advocated for a thorough overhaul of the Ministry’s operations, ushering in a new era of proactive communication and public engagement. One of his most notable initiatives has been the establishment of the Minister’s Press Briefing, a bi-weekly forum that provides a direct line of communication between the government and the Ghanaian people.
Minister Oppong Nkrumah has used these briefings to provide timely updates on government policies, projects, and initiatives, fostering transparency and trust in government actions.
Mr. Oppong Nkrumah is at the forefront of using technology to improve communication and information dissemination. The Bonsu Platform, a digitized online platform created in collaboration with the Information Services Department (ISD), has transformed government communications by streamlining data collection and feedback from various ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).
This platform not only allows for real-time reporting on government activities but also enables government Public Relations Officers (PROs) to combat misinformation and engage with the public more effectively.
Furthermore, Minister Oppong Nkrumah’s vision for a modernized ISD resulted in the refurbishment of the department’s media infrastructure and the launch of the Ghana Today website. These initiatives are a significant step forward in combating the spread of fake news and disinformation, giving Ghanaians a dependable source of accurate information about government projects, policies, and programs.
By investing in cutting-edge technology and reimagining traditional communication channels, Minister Oppong Nkrumah has established the ISD as a key player in promoting media professionalism and public trust.
Apart from emphasizing communication and technology, Minister Oppong Nkrumah has given precedence to enhancing the media sector’s capacity. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah has led efforts to train journalists and provide them with the knowledge and abilities necessary to fulfill their role as the fourth estate in Ghana’s governance system through programs like the Media Capacity Enhancement Programme (MCEP).
Minister Oppong Nkrumah has increased the media’s capacity to hold the government responsible and advance national development by making investments in their professional development. His backing of programs like the National Information Research Center (NIRC) and the State of the Agencies Report demonstrates his dedication to accountability and transparency. By giving citizens access to information about government operations and facilitating data-driven decision-making, these programs strengthen the government’s dedication to democratic values and good governance.
Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah’s innovative and transformative legacy at the Ministry of Information will live on as a tribute to his commitment to serving the people of Ghana, even as he gets ready to take on new duties within the government.
His inspirational leadership has permanently altered Ghana’s democratic trajectory by laying the groundwork for a more open, accountable, and technologically sophisticated government communication system.