Takoradi, Nov. 5, GNA - Mr Joseph Aidoo, Western Regional Minister, on Wednesday called on the media to use the liberalization of the airwaves responsibly to further the development of the country.

He made the call when commissioning Maxx Radio, the fourth FM Station in the Sekondi-Takoradi metropolis, in Takoradi.

Mr Aidoo expressed regrets that the liberalisation of the airwaves had been seen as an opportunity by some media practitioners to malign others and dent the country's high journalistic standards.

"The constitution allows freedom of speech and expression, but in exercising this freedom, there should be a high degree of responsibility".

Mr Aidoo asked media practitioners to properly check their information and to subject such information to careful and painstaking analysis.

"This is because any injury caused to the reputation of anybody who becomes the victim of false and malicious publication or who is deliberately maligned by means of false and unproven allegation cannot be healed by any type of compensation", he added.

Mr Aidoo wondered why apologies from the media to their innocent victims are often published in obscure corners of newspapers.

What this clearly suggests is the absence of remorse on the part of a Journalist, who is taking advantage of being in the Media, to cause everlasting grief to unfortunate and innocent people.

Mr Aidoo said irresponsible and dishonest journalism should become a thing of the past and expressed the hope that Radio MAXX would lead "the crusade against irresponsible journalism and give a better outlook and meaning to the freedom of speech and expression which has been bestowed on us by the constitution and which is being properly and strictly upheld and respected by President Kufuor's Administration."

Mr Okyere Mintah, Chief Executive of the Station, said he would cooperate with other radio stations in the metropolis to harness resources for the development of the area and offer good services to the people.

Odeneho Gyapong Ababio 11, President of National House of Chiefs and Omanhene of Sefwi Bekwai Traditional Area, advised the media to avoid sensational headlines and stories.