Avoid sensationalism - DCE tells journalists

Dormaa-Ahenkro (B/A) Dec. 1, GNA - Squadron Leader Benjamin Anane Asamoah (rtd), District Chief Executive for Dormaa has called on media practitioners to avoid sensationalism and skewed reportage. He said the desire by some journalists to please a section or some interest groups of the population would be tantamount to nation wrecking and the abuse of freedom of the press.

Squadron Leader Anane Asamoah was addressing a fund-raising ceremony at Dormaa-Ahenkro to climax activities to commemorate the 16th anniversary of the establishment of Dormaa FM radio station. The DCE urged media practitioners to see themselves first as vital partners in nation building and they therefore need to place the interest of the nation above all parochial ambitions.

He said: "the pen, in the true democratic sense, is mightier than the sword" and should therefore be used with absolute circumspection for the benefit of accelerated national development. Squadron Leader Anane Asamoah commended the Board and staff of the FM Station for blazing the trail in spite of difficulties and appealed to the management to approach its duty with dedication, accountability.

He observed that the station would make another giant stride if programmes were designed to cater for the cultural demands of the people.

Mr. Fiifi Ofosu-Okyere, Director, traced the chequered history of the station since its establishment in 1989.

He paid tribute to some groups and individuals, notably the late Osagyefo Oseadeyo Agyemang Badu 1, Omanhene of Dormaa Traditional Area and the then PNDC District Secretary, Mr. Chou-En-Lai Paul Ankomah for their immense contributions towards the establishment of the station. Mr. Ofosu-Okyere appealed to the public to contribute towards the advancement of the station for the benefit of the district, assuring listeners that management would adopt measures in response to their changing demands.

Among those present at the ceremony was Mr. Kwaku Agyemang Manu, a Deputy Minister of Finance and Economic Planning. Appeal for funds in aid of the purchase of a new stand-by generating plant for the station yielded more than 35 million cedis.