By: Shaharan Suhuyini ]
The Minister for Education and MP for Tamale South, Haruna Iddrisu, has pledged a renewed and more open working relationship with journalists in the Northern Region, admitting that his previous detachment from the regional media fraternity was a legitimate concern.
Speaking at the 5th Annual Northern Region GJA Awards held under the theme, “Bridging the Rural-Urban Education Gap: The Role of the Media” the former Communications Minister openly acknowledged the media’s frustrations with his limited engagement.
“I know you love Haruna, sometimes you cherish my brand,” he told journalists, “but your unhappiness is justified. I hardly engage with you in the region.”
In a rare moment of candour, Haruna Iddrisu noted that his reluctance to frequently address the media was influenced by cherished maternal counsel.
“I’m sure sometimes I was holding up strongly to an advise my mother gave me, ‘Haruna, learn to keep a golden silence sometimes, because silence cannot be interpreted or misinterpreted,” he said.
However, he emphasized that the evolving demands of political communication and accountability require him to adopt a more proactive posture.
“From today, I’ve learnt my lessons, and I’ll keep an active relationship with you going forward. I’ll redefine my relationship with you, and I’ll improve my working relationship with you.”
Haruna’s assurance was met with warm applause from journalists, many of whom have long called for closer collaboration between regional political leaders and the media.
The event recognised excellence in journalism across the Northern Region and highlighted the critical role of the press in addressing Ghana’s widening rural-urban education disparities.
