Bolgatanga, Nov 14, GNA- Mr Andrew Awuni, a Deputy Minister of Information, has urged media houses on the consolidated fund to explore non-traditional sources of assistance rather than rely on an over-burdened government budget for their operations.

"This does not imply that we as a government will shirk our responsibility to the media organisations but it would be more practical under the present circumstances for such establishments to look elsewhere for support to supplement government subvention," he said.

Mr Awuni was interacting with media practitioners at a press soiree at the end of his four-day working visit to the Upper East Region.

Media personnel present had earlier raised a number of concerns, prominent among which were the lack of means of transport to reach the remote areas as well as the absence of computers and other tools for effective newsgathering.

He said some organisations, both governmental and non-governmental, have achieved their set objectives with the support of the media, not to mention the numerous business enterprises nationwide that have made it through media publicity.

Mr Awuni said non-governmental organisations (NGOs), particularly those operating in the rural communities, have depended and continue to depend on the media to disseminate information to their target groups. ''It will not be out of place for media houses to approach such organisations for assistance in times of genuine need.''

The Regional Minister, Mr Mahami Salifu, praised journalists in the region for the their role in keeping the area peaceful over the years through responsible reportage even in times of conflict.

He also commended the journalists for continuing to discharge their duties diligently under very harsh conditions.

During his four-day programme in the region Mr Awuni met heads of departments and a cross-section of the public at Navrongo in the Kassena-Nankana District on the Freedom of Information Bill.

He said the introduction of the Bill is part of government's commitment to entrench transparency, good governance and democracy in the country.

He also visited the Navrongo Campus of the University for Development Studies (UDS) where he interacted with students of the University. He gave the assurance that Government would support the UDS to achieve the purpose for which it was established.

Other places the Deputy Minister visited included Sandema in the Builsa District, Bawku East, Bawku West and Bongo districts where he held meetings with District Chief Executives, heads of departments and assembly members.

Mr Awuni stressed the need for district assemblies to involve chiefs and opinion leaders in the local communities in deciding on projects to be undertaken under the HIPC relief fund.