Press Freedom Day: ‘Highlight businesses driving jobs and national dev’t’ — Blue Skies urges media

The Head of Foundation, Brands Communication and Public Affairs
at Blue Skies Products (Ghana) Ltd., Alistair Djimatey, has urged the media to deliberately spotlight responsible businesses driving national development.

He made the call during a media tour of the company’s production facility in Accra, organised by the UK-Ghana Chamber of Commerce (UKGCC) in collaboration with the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) and the Institute of Financial and Economic Journalists (IFEJ) as part of activities marking the 2026 World Press Freedom Day.

It comes on the back of concerns that media coverage often leans heavily towards negative narratives.

Djimatey noted that his outfit and several other businesses are creating jobs, supporting communities and maintaining high standards, yet receive little attention.

“Too often, the media narrative focuses on what is going wrong. But there are many businesses doing the right things… These are the stories that also deserve to be told,” he said while speaking on the theme, “Shaping a World at Peace.”

He added that balanced reporting can build public trust and push more companies to adopt ethical and sustainable practices.

On his part, Suleiman Mustapha, GJA’s National Organising Secretary, welcomed the call and assured support for the initiative.

“We will stand by you at all times and make sure that we help you in your advocacy to create an enabling business environment,” he said.

Also speaking, Acting President of IFEJ, Roger Agana, reaffirmed the media’s role in promoting credible businesses, describing Blue Skies as a strong example of value-driven operations.

Shaping a world at peace through responsible business

Djimatey further noted that Blue Skies’ “value addition at source” model supports livelihoods and reduces inequality, key factors in maintaining social stability.

He noted that the company employs up to 5,000 people during peak seasons, providing income for thousands of households in neighbouring communities.

“When people are gainfully employed and earning a salary, they are less likely to engage in activities that destabilise the country,” he said.

The company is also pursuing climate-focused initiatives, including its “Fresh Pack” project to reduce plastic use in farming and a broader commitment to net-zero emissions.

Djimatey stressed that environmental protection and economic inclusion are critical to long-term peace.

Opportunities for growth and strategic partnership

The tour highlighted opportunities for stronger collaboration between the media and private sector to boost Ghana’s agricultural value chain.

Blue Skies currently exports to major European retailers, including Waitrose, Tesco and Marks & Spencer, but faces challenges such as high energy costs, land encroachment and policy constraints like the sugar tax.

Djimatey called for sustained media advocacy to address these bottlenecks.

He also pointed to initiatives like the “Farmer of the Year” scheme and the “School Farm” project, which engaged 750 schools nationwide, as efforts to attract youth into agriculture.

Despite expanding into European markets within months, he noted that entry into Nigeria has taken nearly a decade, underscoring barriers to intra-African trade.

He challenged the media to lead efforts in promoting local industry as part of building an inclusive and peaceful society.

The tour ended with a call for deeper engagement between the private sector and the media to support both economic growth and press freedom.