Ghana's media industry is facing a major challenge. They are gathering in Accra to discuss how to adapt to the digital world. The National Media Convergence Conference opened on Wednesday, April 29, 2026. It brings together experts from different fields. These include academics, media professionals, government officials, and technology leaders. They are all thinking about the future of journalism in Ghana. The world is moving online quickly. Traditional ways of doing things are struggling.
This one-day conference aims to create a special space for talking and working together. The theme is "The Future of Media Practice, Education and Policy in Ghana." Organizers want to find solutions, not just point out problems. They recognise that how people consume news has changed a lot. Old media companies must adapt. Otherwise, they risk becoming irrelevant. The conference includes teachers from communication schools. It also includes heads of newsrooms and government regulators. Digital business owners are there too. Students nearing graduation are also attending.
A key issue is the mismatch between what schools teach and what the industry needs. Speakers are asking if university courses prepare students enough for the digital media world. They question if graduates have the right skills. This includes practical skills, technology knowledge, and ethics. There is a strong push to link universities and media companies more closely. This can happen through work experience opportunities. Joint research projects are also important. Updating what is taught in schools is crucial. This will help create a workforce ready for jobs. It will also foster new ideas.
Professor Abena Animwaa Yeboah-Banin from the University of Ghana is a notable speaker. She stressed the need to connect academic study with real media issues. Her research covers advertising. It also covers media growth and how women are shown in the media. Technology is also changing newsrooms. Digital tools and data analysis are becoming common. Journalists must be flexible. They need to learn many skills. This is essential for modern storytelling. Making money is another big problem. Money from traditional advertising is falling. Media groups are encouraged to find new ways to earn revenue. This includes digital subscriptions. It also includes paid content and partnerships with online platforms.
The conference organisers expect to release a statement. This statement will offer recommendations. These will cover media changes and education in Ghana. They might suggest updates to laws. They may propose new teaching plans for schools. Ethical guidelines for the digital age are also expected. Participants hope to gain a shared understanding of Ghana's media situation. They also aim to build stronger partnerships. These partnerships will help drive new innovations. Samuel Attah-Mensah, CEO of Channel One TV and Citi FM, spoke on the conference theme. He said technology changed how stories are told. It also changed how audiences interact and how media businesses succeed. He added that the conference is about shaping the future. It brings together academics and industry to ask important questions. He asked if media professionals are prepared for tomorrow. He also questioned if newsrooms are adapting fast enough. He highlighted the need to keep ethics and trust central to innovation. George Twumasi, CEO of ABN Holdings, gave a keynote address. He discussed falling audiences versus online growth. He talked about large online platforms. He also addressed newsroom changes. He explained what traditional media must learn and unlearn. Panel discussions were held. Topics included the shift from radio and print to digital newsrooms. Monetisation and survival in the digital market were also discussed. Media education in this new environment was another topic.