Vim Lady calls for empowerment of traditional leaders and accountability in journalism

In the most recent episode of her program “Egyaso Gyaso,” broadcast journalist Afia Pokua, known professionally as Vim Lady, expressed concerns about the lack of recognition given to traditional leaders as outlined in Ghana’s constitution.

“Many regions rich in mineral resources are being exploited without any compensation for the local chiefs or funds allocated for community development projects aimed at benefiting the residents,” she noted.

She emphasized that “many chiefs lack financial autonomy, leaving them vulnerable to political manipulation.”

Vim Lady called for the empowerment and proper resourcing of chiefs, stating that this would allow them to “independently manage their communities and affairs effectively.”

On the same program, Vim Lady also voiced her frustration with the role the media has played in Ghana’s gradual decline.

She highlighted the media’s responsibility to set an agenda that would contribute to the country’s development, but she expressed dismay over how journalists have shifted their focus to favor politicians instead of holding them accountable.

“The media is part of the reason why Ghana is gradually deteriorating.

“One of the key responsibilities of the media is to set an agenda and highlight important topics that will help in the development of the country,” Vim Lady said during the show.

She criticized her colleagues for being more interested in currying favor with political figures than performing their duty to fact-check and ensure the integrity of the information being shared.

According to her, it is the media’s role to challenge misinformation and keep politicians in check, not to indulge them.

“Journalists now set agendas to favor politicians,” she remarked, adding that instead of playing their rightful role, they have become puppets manipulated by political forces.

Vim Lady ultimately called on her colleagues to remember their fundamental duty to the public, stressing that the media should be a watchdog that forces politicians to work for the people, not engage in “fun fooling” with them.

She also emphasized the importance of fact-checking, stating that journalists must ensure that panellists on their platforms do not spread false information unchecked.