Takoradi (W/R), Sept 17, GNA - Mr Micheal Ocloo, Acting Western Regional Manager of the Information Services Department (ISD), has said the media should not relegate to the background its function of educating the people as well as championing their interest. "It is paramount in this 21st century that the media should not relegate developmental issues to the background by placing too much emphasis on entertainment and politics", he said.

Mr Ocloo said this at the fifth anniversary launch of ROK FM, a local radio station in the Takoradi, under the theme: "The media as a partner in promoting socio-economic development". He said developmental issues must be high on the agenda of the media as a way of improving the lot of Ghanaians especially rural and marginalised communities who look up to the media for information, education on the economy, education, health, environment, women and children.

Mr Ocloo appealed to the media to avoid acts of divisiveness that had the potential of igniting tribal conflicts but should rather promote nation building, enhance good governance and empower people for development.

Nana Kobina Nketsia V, Paramount Chief of Essikado Traditional Area, urged practitioners to use the media as stools for building national cohesion and unity. He said the media must also educate Ghanaians on their cultural heritage and the need to uphold and preserve them and pass them to the next generation. Mr Richie Osei Kuffour, Chief Executive Officer of ROK FM, said a recent fire outbreak nearly halted the activities of the radio station but its alliance with other FM stations had improved their services. Mr Kuffour said the station would soon install new equipment to further improve and widen transmission to other parts of the region.