I don't fear criticisms - Regional Minister

Wa, Sept. 2, GNA - Mr. George Hikah Benson, Upper West Regional Minister says he does not fear criticisms, as they are sources of inspiration for him to perform his duties appropriately for the benefit of the people.

He said: "I always consider those who criticize me as my good friends. Criticisms would make me to review my actions and inactions and go the right way to meet those I am to serve, those who don't want criticisms, politics is not a place for them". Mr. Benson said this at a Press Soiree organised by the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) for media practitioners in the Wa Municipality at the weekend.

He called on the media to market the region by bringing out all the good things in the communities in their reports to attract investors to help develop the region.

He assured them of the RCC's continuous support in the performance of their duties, pointing out that development of the region demanded a collective approach and that the media could not be left out. Mr. Benson said the RCC appreciated the good work of the media and would rely on their advice to champion a good course for the development of the people in particular and the region as a whole. Mr. Chris Alalbilla, a senior Journalist with the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) said "a journalist's work was a sacrificial one, which the public seemed not to know but always condemn them on the little mistakes that they make.

"We are considered to be against the government of the day if we promote an opposition Member of Parliament. This perception about the journalist from the supporters' point of view is bad." He called on leaders of political parties to educate their supporters to know that the work of journalists was all about the development of the country.

Mr. Alalbilla assured Mr. Benson and the RCC that journalists in the region were focused to work to serve the government of the day, saying: "We serve the system but not individuals".