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The 2023 edition of Ghana’s Media Capacity Enhancement Programme (MCEP) has commenced in Accra.

The program, aimed at equipping journalists with essential skills and knowledge, was opened by the Minister for Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, at a ceremony organised by the University of Media, Arts and Communications (UniMAC) on Monday, December 18, 2023.

In his keynote address, Minister Oppong Nkrumah emphasized the pivotal role of the training initiative in shaping the future of the media industry and democracy in Ghana. He stated, "this training is not just a routine programme; it is one of the most vital investments in the future of our media industry and our democracy."

The Minister highlighted the unparalleled influence of the media in shaping the national agenda and guiding public discourse on various subjects. He expressed concern about the lack of formal training among many journalists, noting that while articulate and well-intentioned, a majority have not undergone formal journalistic training. According to the Minister, this knowledge gap includes essential aspects such as ethics, responsibilities, contemporary practices, and nuances of the journalism profession.

The opening ceremony saw the presence of notable figures, including Professor Kwamena Kwansah-Aidoo, Chairman of the Working Committee and Vice Chancellor of UniMAC, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, President of the Ghana Journalists Association, Andrew Edwin-Arthur, President of Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG), Cecil Sunkwa-Mills, President of the Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA), and other dignitaries.