Speak out, minister directs spokespersons
Information, Culture, Arts and Sports Minister Nape Nnauye yesterday condemned uncooperative Communication Officers in government units, threatening stern measures against unnecessary concealment of public information.
The Minister warned the government spokespersons whom he accused as careless and reckless speakers to the media against the Media Services and Access to Information legislation.
“The government approved the two legislations to ease access to public information. Unfortunately, some officers who should be facilitating the dissemination of information have turned into public nuisance and boredom to media,” he said.
“Some government spokespersons are not innovative and runaway when contacted by members of the media for clarification of issues,” charged Mr Nnauye while opening a five-day meeting of the Tanzania Association of Government Communication Officers (TAGCO) here. Tanzania Standard Newspapers (TSN) Limited, the publishers of ‘Daily News,’ ‘Sunday News,’ ‘Habari Leo’ and ‘Spoti Leo,’ are cosponsors of the meeting.
The minister reminded that the new media legislation obliges communication officers in the government to cooperate with journalists in updating the public on regular basis.
“If you are facing limitations in your offices, let us know...we will communicate with appointment authorities about the matter. This is why the law was approved,” directed the minister, directing all heads of communication units to participate in all key decision meetings in their organisations.
He advised the officers to work innovatively and help their managers to plan and prepare themselves for public presentation. “It’s not possible that for the entire year, the PR officer has not produced any media material or even using social network platforms to inform the public.”
He challenged the delegates to form regulations to check and take to task lazy officers.
According to the ministry’s Deputy Permanent Secretary, Nuru Hassan, over 200 members, including spokespersons in government departments, ministries, local government and authorities, are attending the meeting, which was jointly coordinated by Tagco and Tanzania Information Service (Maelezo).
Tagco Chairman Innocent Mungy said the association was well placed to explore more financial resources to address equipment challenges facing many government communication units.