Deputy Minister appeals to journalists to be circumspect

Sunyani, Nov 10, GNA - Deputy Minister of Information, Mr Stephen Asamoah, currently on a week's tour of Brong Ahafo Region, has urged media practitioners to always seek clarification on issues to avoid misinforming the people.

He particularly asked radio presenters in the region to ensure that they get accurate facts before they go on air because he has realized that they dwell on information already published by newspapers.

Mr Asamoah-Boateng was interacting with a cross-section of media personnel in the region at a press soiree at the residency to round off his tour, which took him to 11 of the 13 districts of the region.

The Deputy Minister featured on radio programmes and durbars to explain a wide range of national issues including the national insurance scheme to the general public, workers, heads of departments and District Assemblies.

Mr. Asamoah Boateng said he was impressed with the performance of the media in the Brong Ahafo Region and urged the journalists to support initiatives aimed at accelerating the country's development.

''The government is on course and is focused on making Ghana a better place than it inherited,'' he said and advised media practitioners to ensure that whatever they publish or air is in the national interest.

Mr Francis O. Boateng, Regional Co-ordinating Director, suggested intensive training for FM radio personnel to make them knowledgeable enough on issues to be able to present the truth to the people.

He appealed to District Chief Executives to make use of Unit Committees and Assembly Members to inform and educate the people on national issues and advised them "not to close their doors to journalists".

Mr Charles Koomson, Regional Manager of Ghana News Agency and Vice Chairman of the Regional GJA, complained about either the arrogance or ignorance of some DCEs in the region about the role of the media in national development.

He expressed the hope that they would learn fast and come to terms with the work of the media whom they must see as development partners not as enemies or a nuisance.

Mr Koomson said the region, the second largest with 13 districts, needs to be covered well and appealed for a means of transport for particularly those based in Sunyani for effective operations.