Tarkwa (W/R) July 3, GNA - Space FM, a Tarkwa local FM Station today held a grand durbar at Tarkwa to mark its first anniversary celebration.

Addressing the durbar, Mr Emanuel Kwasi Ayensu, Wassa West District Chief Executive, whose address was read by Mr Robert Afum Fianko, Development sub-Committee chairman of Wassa West District Assembly said, media should be used as a tool for development rather than a weapon of destruction.

He said abolishing criminal libel does not give the media freedom of expression but also places more responsibility on the media, especially the radio stations to expressed themselves in a more responsible manner.

Mr Ayensu described it as unfortunate, some unguarded utterances that are aired for public consumption, and advised radio stations to subject their messages to careful scrutiny before broadcasting them. The DCE said many people's minds are influenced by radio broadcast and therefore, its negative impact affects society in its developmental effort, adding, the truth must be told for the people to decide.

"Democracy thrives on truth and not misleading reports that will bring about confusion." He added.

Mr Samuel Gordon Etroo, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Space FM said the station would do what it could to discourage playing of profane songs on its airwaves and encourage decency and discipline in the music industry.

He said Space FM would not shirk its responsibility of grooming the youth through educational programmes to help them realize their potentials.

Mr Etroo said the station would continue to seek the views and suggestions of the listening public and come out with improved services that would impart positively on the society.

Space FM, he said, believes in broadcasting balanced stories and also fulfilling the spiritual needs of listeners and has therefore allotted ample airtime for the preaching of the Gospel.

The CEO said the major challenge of the station had been in the area of provision of logistics to enhance its services.

He mentioned absence of good vehicle that could enable reporters to travel to the hinterlands to report on events and more sponsorship for new programmes as some of the challenges, adding that, the station was to create and render quality service to society.

Nana Obenyin Kwame II, Tufohene of Wassa Amenfi, who represented Kasapreko Kwamw Basanyin III, Paramount Chief of Wassa Amenfi Traditional Area, advised the FM Station not to think of making profit alone but how to promote healthy relationship among the people. He told the station to combine entertaining activities with special emphasis on discipline, which is lacking among the youth and immorality to stem the spread of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. Rev. Edzii Davidson, chairman of finance and administration, Pentecost Church, Tarkwa, who chaired the function commended the staff of the station for their eloquence and professional touch, given to their radio presentations.

Impact Generation Mass Choir graced the occasion with some melodious songs.