Accra (Greater Accra), 15 March '99 -

The Ghana Journalists Association on Friday signed a 71 million-cedi agreement with the Canadian International Development Agency(CIDA) for the funding of an internet-based directory of public and civic bodies. The directory will assist not only journalists, but also all members of the civil society to identify and access decision-makers. It is intended to be a first step in accessing information on knowing who is in charge, who is involved, how to reach them, what is their area of responsibility, be it in Accra or Wa. The President of CIDA, Madame Huguette Labelle said Canada is a strong supporter of civic society dialogue and expressed the hope that Ghana would become a model for Africa. Mrs Gifty Affenyi-Dadzie, president of GJA thanked CIDA for the assistance, and said the association is working hard to achieve an independent and pluralist media in Ghana, where information will be easily accessible to all. The project, she said, will cover the whole country, but will be primarily made accessible to journalists although it will be open to all who access the Internet.