Accra, March 3, GNA - The Minister of Information, Mr Dan Botwe on Friday cut the tape to unveil a newly established restaurant by the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) in Accra.

Kaesel Katering Services, a private catering company, would manage the restaurant, which has the name "SKUUP".

Mr. Botwe noted that the creation of the restaurant was a plus to the GJA and urged subsequent administrations to follow the path of their predecessors to fulfill all the aspirations of the Association.

"Three years ago, the press centre was handed over to the Association and we are here to outdoor another project, it is a step in the right direction and must be continued," he added.

Ms Ajoa Yeboah-Afari, GJA President, said the creation of the restaurant had fulfilled an agenda mooted by the Association some three years ago. She said although it was modest, it was a unique facility. She said the reason for her joy was that eatery or a bar was an indispensable part of any self-respecting club or press centre, adding that was why provision was made in the original plan.

"This means we have been missing a limb until today." The GJA president said since the Press Centre had been a highly patronised place for international conferences and various training courses.

Ms Yeboah-Afari said she was optimistic that "The Skuup" would add more value to the centre, which had become a symbol of press freedom and was contributing meaningfully to the promotion of free expression, a vital ingredient of any democracy.

"With 'The Skuup', my team has built on the foundation it inherited and has tried to fulfill the expectations of our membership." Indications are that with such additional facilities, the Press Centre would attract even more media training programmes as well as social activities that would promote press freedom and enhance democracy.

Mr Edward Ameyibor, former GJA President, urged the operators to include local dishes as a way of promoting indigenous foods. He said it was unfortunate that elsewhere, local foods were served upon demand but the story was different here in Ghana. Ms Christine Asare of Kaesel Katering expressed gratitude to the GJA for offering them the opportunity to manage the restaurant and promised that they would serve Ghanaian dishes.