Accra, Dec. 29, GNA - Mr Kwamena Bartels, Minister of Information and National Orientation on Friday called for co-operation between staff of the Ministry and Information Service Department (ISD) to disseminate Government policies and programmes effectively to the people. He said such cooperation was necessary because the Ministry had often been accused of failing to educate and inform the people adequately on Government policies and programmes.

Mr Bartels made the call at the annual get-together of Directors and staff of the two institutions in Accra. Forty-nine past Directors, Assistant Directors, Technical officers and serving staff were honoured and presented with electronic appliances.

Mr Bartels announced that there would be some few changes in the Ministry and ISD next year, and urged them to see themselves as "Working together to achieve a common purpose and mission". Mr Anthony Ampong, Chief Director of the Ministry of Information and National Orientation, also underlined the need for active staff co-operation, and commended the staff for the cordial relationship that had existed among them.

Referring to Ghana's 50th Independence anniversary celebration next year, Mr Ampong reminded the staff that it would be a hectic year that would require their co-operation to the communication strategy of the Ministry.

Mr Divine Kwapong, Acting Director of ISD, announced that a consultant had been appointed to work on new salary proposals for the Department.

He said human resource development had been a priority agenda of the Department this year.