By Juliet Aguiar DUGBARTEY
The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) – Western Region Branch has held a dialogue in Takoradi to foster collaboration among stakeholders on the need to develop the region.
Dubbed ‘Western Region development dialogue’, it was on the theme ‘Redefining the development agenda: Collaborative strategies for the sustainable growth of the Western Region’, with support from Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI).
The event brought together diverse group of stakeholders, including civil society organisations (CSOs), non-governmental organisations (NGOs), traditional leaders, local community leaders, academic and research institutions, media practitioners, youth and women groups, among others.
The dialogue sought to refocus the development priorities and strategies for the Western Region, promote inclusive participation in policy-making and governance as well as develop actionable recommendations for sustainable development initiatives.
Also, it aimed to strengthen partnerships and collaboration among key stakeholders.
Some of the topics discussed included ‘Opportunities for youth employment and entrepreneurship’, ‘Public-private partnerships to unlock the region’s economic potential’, ‘Strategies to mitigate environmental degradation and illegal mining’, ‘Community-led conservation and sustainable resource use’, ‘Policy frameworks for climate-resilient development, among others’.
Joseph Nelson, Western Regional Minister, in an address read for him, mentioned that the Regional Coordinating Council will foster closer collaboration with the media as the fourth estate, to help push the development agenda of the region forward.
He was optimistic that with teamwork and the support of the chiefs and people, the region will thrive, noting that the region is endowed with natural resources but still confronted with significant challenges.
“My administration is determined to take the bold and transformative steps which are urgently needed to shift the region onto a sustainable and resilient path. As we embark on this collective journey, we pledge that no one will be left behind,” he said.
Redefining the development agenda, he said, required a multi-faceted approach that prioritised stakeholder engagement; fostering partnership among government agencies, private sector entities, civil society organisations and local communities to leverage resources, expertise and knowledge.
The media in general, according to him have played a pivotal role in shaping the democratic landscape; amplifying diverse voices and fostering national development.
He said government is committed to professional standards and support to journalistic practice; and assured the media of his unflinching support.
Wilson Arthur, Chief Executive Officer of Skyy Group, said for the region to develop, key stakeholders need to re-think on how things are done to attract the needed investment.
He pointed out that government alone cannot develop the region. “We should cure this mentality from our head and focus on what the individual can do to grow the region”.
“We rant, painting a picture that the region is not developed; what are you also doing to uplift the image of the region?” he asked.
Philip Fiifi Buckman, Member of Parliament for Kwesimintsim, also asked: “What do we have as a region? The challenge is – we are egoistic, we think about ourselves alone and not the generality of the people”.
He said the MPs in the region have resolved to make an impact for the benefit the people.
“If we are able to come together with a concerted effort, we will go far. Western Region shall see a revival if we come together for an agenda,” he added.
Desmond Cudjoe, Chairman of the GJA-Western Region, added: “The Western Region’s potential is boundless; but only through unity can we unlock it”.
