Chief of Staff Julius Debrah has called on public officials to make the media active partners in the design and rollout of government initiatives.

Speaking at the Women in Government and Media Forum, Mr. Debrah underscored the importance of early engagement with journalists, describing it as a practical strategy that enhances transparency and reduces resistance to new policies.

Drawing from his experience as a former Minister for Local Government, he revealed that he made it a deliberate practice to consult members of the media fraternity whenever he was developing a new initiative.

According to him, involving the press at the formative stage allows for broader input, strengthens policy ideas, and fosters a sense of shared ownership.

He explained that when the media contributes to shaping an initiative, it often leads to more balanced reportage and minimises criticism during implementation, since key stakeholders are already familiar with the policy’s intent and objectives.

Mr. Debrah therefore encouraged participants at the forum to adopt a similar consultative approach in their respective roles, stressing that collaboration between the government and the media is essential for building public trust and ensuring effective governance.