Air Vice Marshal Joshua Lartei Mensah-Larkai, Chief of Staff, General Headquarters, Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), has emphasised the shared responsibility of the military and media in promoting transparency, professionalism, accountability and national unity across Ghana

He said the media played a pivotal role in shaping public perception and national discourse, particularly in matters of security.

Air Vice Marshal Mensah-Larkai made the remarks at a one-day workshop organised by the GAF’s Department of Public Relations (DPR) for its personnel and members of the Defence Press Corps (DPC) at Burma Camp, Accra, on Wednesday, to strengthen collaboration and mutual understanding between the military and the civilian media.

"A well-informed media is an essential pillar of national security. The relationship between the Ghana Armed Forces and the civilian media, particularly the Defence Press Corps, must be anchored on trust, mutual respect and a shared sense of purpose,” he said.

Air Vice Marshal Mensah-Larkai noted that the Armed Forces operated within the bounds of confidentiality and accountability, making accurate reportage on military activities essential to safeguarding operational effectiveness.

He reaffirmed the Military High Command’s commitment to openness and professionalism in its engagement with the media and the public.

Reflecting on the DPC’s contribution since its establishment in 2017, Air Vice Marshal Mensah-Larkai commended the Corps for fostering stronger ties between the GAF and the media and nurturing journalists with specialised knowledge in military affairs.

“Whether in internal security, counterterrorism, peacekeeping or disaster response, the importance of strategic communications cannot be overstated,” he added.

Naval Captain Veronica Adzo Arhin, Acting Director-General of DPR, in a welcome address, highlighted the nearly decade-long partnership between the DPR and the DPC and urged members to build on the gains made.

She described the media as a critical bridge between the Armed Forces and the citizenry, with the responsibility to inform, educate, set the national agenda and serve as a watchdog.

“Communication is not merely about words; it is about trust — trust between the Armed Forces and the media, trust with our citizens, and trust between Ghana and the wider world. This workshop is a step towards strengthening that trust,” she said.

The seminar featured presentations on “Military-Media Relations: Challenges and the Way Forward” and “The Role of the Media in Safeguarding National Security,” followed by an open forum discussion.

Dignitaries included Commodore Francis Ayitevi Nyarko, the Director General, Human Resource, Deputy Chief of Defence Intelligence, as well as senior officers, defence civilian staff and members of the media.