Minister of Information, Mr John Akologo Tia, has called for constructive criticism from journalists in the country.
Mr Tia also charged media practitioners to adhere to the three principles of journalism; educate, inform and entertain to ensure the development of the country.
B/A Minister Hon Kwadwo Nyamekye-Marfo (L) and Hon John Akologo Tia(R), Minister of Information.
He made the call at the meet-the–press session held in Sunyani, organised by the Ministry of Information and the Brong Ahafo Regional Co-ordinating Council (RCC).
“I further challenge journalists to be pro-active in their work and avoid destructive criticisms. Journalists also need to cross-check their facts thoroughly before they bring any story into public domain,” the minister stressed.
He revealed that the national policy fair which was held in Accra recently would be extended to other regions to bring information directly from government agencies and departments to the people.
The Brong Ahafo Regional Minister, Hon. Kwadwo Nyamekye-Marfo who answered questions from journalists and citizens said his outfit is doing all it can to develop the region which is the second biggest after the Northern Region.
Hon. Nyamekye-Marfo was grateful to journalists in the region for helping to project the region towards the achievement of its developmental goals.
In the area of education, 64.7 % pupils passed the BECE in 2009 in the region. The region also took delivery of 160,000 school uniforms which were distributed to basic schools and deprived communities. In addition b717, 864 Exercise books and 48,661 graph books have also been distributed.
Construction is also on going at 19 schools to cater for the 4-year Senior High School in September 2010.
According to Hon. Nyamekye –Marfo, a total of 319,650 bags of fertilizer have been distributed to farmers in the region as at December, 2009.
The region successfully controlled a devastating armyworm outbreak in Nkoranza North and South Districts.
The HIV Sentinel Survey Report placed the region at the 7th position among the ten regions with and HIV prevalence rate of 2.9% which is at par with that of the national prevalence rate.
Government, he said, has supported the HIV/AIDS initiatives of the twenty-two (22) Municipal and District Assemblies with an amount between GH2,5000 and GH 2,650.00 each while the RCC sourced GH4,000.00 for co-ordination and management as well as monitoring. Four (4) Civil Society Organisations received GH¢25, 000.00 each for HIV/AIDS projects in the region.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has also been signed between the Regional Health Directorate and the various Transport Unions, PROTOA and GPRTU to help transport expectant mothers to nearest health delivery centres in order to reduce maternal mortality in the region.
To mitigate the housing problem facing workers in the Regional Capital, the Government of Ghana, in collaboration with a Korean firm, STX Construction Limited, is in the process of providing affordable housing for public service workers and the security services.
The region is also battling with sixty-three (63) chieftaincy disputes currently pending before the Regional House of Chiefs.
Illegal mining “Galamsey”, bush fire, illegal activities of chainsaw operators and the activities of Fulani herdsmen are some of the challenges facing the region.
STORY: FROM MICHAEL SARPONG MFUM, SUNYANI
