Community Radio Station For Bongo

The Bongo District in the Upper East Region has commissioned its first ever community radio station known as 'Radio Bongo' at the Bongo District capital.

The radio station, which is on 93.1 FM as its frequency would spearhead the development discourse of the district and disseminate information to the people of Bongo and its environs.

Speaking at the commissioning of the radio station, Mr Peter Ayamga Ayinbisa, the District Chief Executive (DCE) said the radio station was a mechanism that would empower all stakeholders including; the rural communities in the district to actively participate and contribute to the progressive and sustainable development of the district.

'Mass media plays an important role in getting the people informed about issues around them and bridging the knowledge gap between the elite and the underprivileged rural dwellers. When this gap is bridged, it would enable them to participate effectively in governance, socio-economic discourse and other related development issues.' The DCE added.

My Ayinbisa explained that the community radio would create the needed platform for interaction between duty bearers and the electorates to promote accountability, transparency as well as form vigorous partnership with the people at the grassroots to attain accelerated development.

He said the radio station would project and sell the good image and economic potential of the district to investors to explore possible business avenues to venture into.

The DCE indicated 'the Bongo community radio would give full meaning to the decentralisation and local governance processes and issues such as poverty eradication, health, agriculture, education and other social problems would always be the focus of discussions.'

'The radio would also act as a vehicle for the community, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and other investors to identify the potentials of the district and promote development.'

While asking the management of the radio station to channel their efforts to preserving the environment through advocacy against indiscriminate tree felling, land degradation, soil erosion, waste management as well as climate change, the DCE further urged them to exhibit standing leadership to provide fair opportunities for discussions.

Naba Salifu Lemyaarum Atamale, Paramount Chief of Bongo who chaired the function mentioned that the initial idea to have the radio station established was to create a medium to educate and contribute to the fight against some negative practices in the district.

The Bonaba stated 'I initiated an advocacy agenda to work with the Women and Widows Ministries against dehumanizing cultural practices that people, especially the vulnerable and marginalised often went through such as widowhood rites, tribal marks, FGM and girl-child betrothal, and I needed a voice to do this.'

While commending the Bongo District Assembly, Reverend Father Dr Moses Asaah Awinongya of Regentropfen College of Applied Sciences and other individuals for their immense support and contributions as well as the National Communication Authority (NCA) for granting the radio station license to operate and charged the people to own the radio to derive maximum benefits.

Mr James Abakase, the Upper East Regional Director of the NCA indicated that the content and functions would be monitored and any bridge of the communication regulations would amount to withdrawal of the license and closing down the station.

The Regional Director advised the Paramount Chief and the people of the district to intensify education and sensitisation that would bring unity, love and peace that could propel smooth development and economic progress.