Local governance experts and advocates are urging media personnel to do more reporting on Ghana’s local governance system. Experts such as Prof. kwamena Ahwoi and head of the Institute of Local governance, Dr. Esther Offei-Aboagye emphasized the need for more knowledge about governance at the local level. To address these gaps media advocacy group, the Media Foundation for West Africa has launched a project to encourage more media reporting on local governance and administration. Joy News’ Dzifa Bampoh, who was at the launch, reported that research undertaken by the Media Foundation has revealed that there is little information and space dedicated towards local governance issues in the media. The research was undertaken between October 2010 and March 2011. According to the findings only about a fifth of the new items, discussion programs and citizen contribution focused on local governance but media coverage was more before, during and after the district level elections. Media Foundation boss, Prof. Kwame Karikari said radio as the fastest means of disseminating information would be the most effective in giving grassroot education and information. “We believe sincerely that democracy can only be consolidated and be meaningful if at the local level – at the simple level of the community – citizens will have the opportunity to participate in how they are governed,” he stated. On his part, Local governance expert, Prof. Kwamena Ahwoi said there is a lopsided coverage of local governance issues. Prof. Ahwoi said for decentralization to fully work there is the need for the media to give information. The project will take advantage of 12 radio stations in the 10 regions of Ghana. There will also be capacity building for journalists to increase their interest and knowledge about the local government system. Source: Joy News/Ghana