Broadcast journalist and lawyer Samson Lardy Anyenini has called for greater efforts to extend civic education and responsible communication to rural communities, stressing that Ghana’s democracy cannot thrive if large sections of the population remain uninformed and disengaged.
Speaking at a seminar organised by the Communication and Media Studies Students Association (CoMSSA) of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), the award-winning journalist underscored the need for communication to go beyond urban centres.
“Democracy cannot thrive when citizens remain uninformed or disengaged, especially in rural areas,” he said. “Communication must go beyond Accra and Kumasi into every village and district. Citizens need to know their rights, understand policies, and recognise the power of their votes.”
Anyenini argued that effective communication is not just about news reporting but also about empowering citizens to hold leaders accountable, participate in national development, and safeguard their environment.
While acknowledging the dangers of misinformation and fake news, he noted that the deeper challenge lies in ensuring that ordinary Ghanaians — particularly those in remote areas — have access to accurate information that enables them to make informed decisions.
He further stressed that issues such as illegal mining (galamsey), environmental destruction, and social injustice could only be tackled effectively if communities were properly educated and mobilised. “Communication must champion responsible mining and environmental protection before it is too late,” he urged.
The seminar brought together students, academics, and media practitioners, with Anyenini’s address serving as a reminder that democracy is not built solely in newsrooms or courtrooms but also in the villages, classrooms, and everyday conversations that shape public consciousness.
