Accra, July 30, GNA - MTN, a major telecommunication operator, has presented a cheque for GHC30,114.08 towards the refurbishment of the Ghana News Agency (GNA) newsroom to boost the morale of journalists to serve the nation's information needs.

This follows an appeal made by the Communication Workers Union (CWU) of the GNA to the company to improve their working environment.

The project includes the renovation of the roof of the newsrooms, provision of desks for staff of the newsroom and chairs for the editors. The floor would also be polished while their pantry would be renovated.

Making the presentation, Mrs. Mawuena Trebarh, the Corporate Services Executive of MTN, said the MTN considers it important to support media organisations such as the GNA because of the common role the media and the telecom sector play towards national development, making business decisions and policies and fostering social interaction through the provision of information.

She said ensuring the free-flow of information was critical for the smooth-running of the individual's life and that of the nation and the MTN and the GNA were in the forefront of that role.

Mrs Trebarh said the MTN enjoys a longstanding relationship with the FIFA 2010 World Cup.

The MTN, she said, recognizes the GNA as a major partner in the promotion of its business activities as well as the most important source of news to the nation's print, radio, television and online media towards nation building.

"The MTN Group uses the GNA as its first source of information on national issues, before considering any other medium," she explained.

Mrs. Trebarh said the contribution of the GNA as the first news agency in Sub-Saharan Africa could not be overstated and it remains the only wire service in the country with a significant mission.

Corporate Social responsibility is a major policy of the MTN and through a foundation individuals and organisations are supported across the country to improve their wellbeing.

Mr. Francis Rex Annan, the Administrative Manager of the GNA, who received the cheque, expressed gratitude to the MTN for their invaluable support, saying it was the biggest donation given to the GNA by any corporate organisation.

Dr. Bonnah Koomson, Chairman of the GNA Board, also praised MTN for the sponsorship.

He said the GNA, apart from its traditional role of providing information and education, serves as a major training ground for journalists with many of its outstanding products, playing key roles in the media and at the national level.

Any assistance towards retooling the agency, the Koomson said would impact on the nation as a whole.

The GNA, a public-service organisation, is financially constrained because of insufficient budgetary allocation from the Central government.

The largest national news gathering organisation, it, however, provides information to more than 80 media organisations both locally and internationally.