Ministers should answer legitimate questions on promises, public spending – Asiedu Nketia

National Chairman of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia, has called on journalists to maintain close scrutiny of government policies, public spending and development promises, saying ministers should be prepared to respond to legitimate questions from the media.

Mr Asiedu Nketia made the remarks at the fourth Bono Regional Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Awards in Sunyani on September 19, 2026. The event was held under the theme, “Ethics, Integrity and Impactful Journalism – Essential Ingredients for Societal Transformation.”

Speaking in his capacity as National Chairman of the governing NDC, he said the Mahama administration should expect the media to examine its decisions and measure commitments made to Ghanaians against what is eventually delivered.

“This government should expect scrutiny. Ministers should answer legitimate questions. Public expenditure should be examined. The promises we made to Ghanaians should be checked against what we deliver,”

He said such scrutiny should be understood as part of democratic governance rather than as an attempt to undermine the government.

Mr Asiedu Nketia also urged journalists to ensure that their reports are based on verified information, whether the facts reflect positively or negatively on a political party or public institution.

He said journalism should give citizens an accurate account of both government achievements and shortcomings, without allowing partisan considerations to determine what is reported.

Journalists urged to track public projects

The NDC chairman particularly challenged journalists in the Bono Region to go beyond reporting the commissioning of public projects and follow their implementation to determine whether they are completed on time and provide value for money.

He encouraged journalists to document the cost and terms of contracts, identify the contractors responsible and record the deadlines announced for completion.

“When the date arrives, go back. Find out whether the work was completed and whether the public received what it paid for,”

According to him, journalists should investigate delays, shortcomings and other challenges affecting public projects and establish where responsibility lies. Successful projects, he added, should also be reported so that citizens have a factual record of what has been achieved.

Mr Asiedu Nketia said maintaining detailed records would allow future generations to examine how major development commitments in the Bono Region progressed over time.

He also called on politicians and public officials to provide journalists with relevant information and to avoid treating difficult questions as personal or political attacks.

“Sometimes the person asking the uncomfortable question is telling you something that the people around you are no longer willing to say,”

Call for stronger support for journalism

Beyond the media’s editorial responsibilities, Mr Asiedu Nketia called for better working conditions and greater resources for media organisations.

He said adequately resourced newsrooms would be better positioned to retain experienced journalists, conduct investigations and maintain strong regional reporting operations.

He further argued that journalists should be able to build sustainable careers without becoming financially dependent on politicians, businesses or institutions that they are expected to scrutinise.

The fourth Bono Regional GJA Awards brought together journalists, traditional leaders, public officials and other stakeholders to recognise outstanding contributions to journalism in the region.