Minister urges chiefs to support the government

Cape Coast, Aug 01, GNA - Mr Dan Botwe, the Minister of Information, on Monday urged traditional rulers not to relent in their efforts to support the government even if they are labelled in certain quarters as partisan.

He said this should not discourage them from relating with the government cordially and offering the good suggestions that assist in the socio-economic development of the nation.

Mr Botwe said this when he paid a courtesy call on Osabarima Kwesi Atta II, Omanhene of Oguaa Traditional Area, at the start of a three-day visit to the Central Region to visit establishments under his ministry. He is also expected to address the Gomoa and Twifo-Hemang Lower and Upper Denkyira districts as well as district information officers in the region during his visit.

The minister spoke about the importance of the chieftaincy institution and described it as relevant to the security of the nation. He called on chiefs to continue to play significant roles as traditional authorities who are in constant and direct contact with the people at the grassroots to ensure the security of the nation.

Mr Botwe said the ministry was not propaganda machinery for the New Patriotic Party but has been tasked to explain government policies to the people and to collate feedback for government's necessary action. Touching on the recent cancellation of the country's debts by the G8 countries, Mr Botwe said this came about as a result of good governance and the government's commitment to fight corruption.

He said that the money that would accrue from the debt cancellation would be used to provide more social amenities to improve the living standards of the people.

Osabarima Kwesi Atta stressed the need for the ministry to resource all state-owned media houses and the Information Services Department in the region to enable them give wider coverage and reach out to people in the rural areas to explain government policies them.