Tamale, April 11,GNA - Mr Mohammed Amin Adam, Deputy Northern Regional Minister on Monday commended the Media for supporting the efforts of the Government and civil society organizations in promoting and sustaining peace in the Region.

He said the Media in the Region had through their reportage not only highlighted on the various sectors of the economy but had also endeavoured to preach peace, which had engendered the prevailing peaceful atmosphere in the Region, especially in Dagbon.

Mr Adam was interacting with the staff of the Tamale Office of the Ghana News Agency (GNA) during a surprise visit to acquaint himself with the Agency's operations and problems confronting the Office.

The Deputy Regional Minister stressed the importance of the Media, saying: "The Media serves as a communication bridge between the Government and the people".

He said for instance that in most cases it was through the Media that developmental needs of the people had been conveyed to the Government and the policies of the Government disseminated to the people.

Mr Adam was, however, disturbed by some Media reports, which had tended to give negative perceptions of insecurity in the Region and Dagbon in particular.

He noted that these reports were scaring away prospective investors, who would otherwise want to do business in the Region. The Deputy Regional Minister also called on the Media to bring to the fore the development agenda of the Regional Minister and its positive impact on the lives of the people to ensure its realization.

Mr Paul Osei Tutu, GNA Northern Regional Manager, pledged to maintain the good working relationship between the Agency and the Regional Administration.

Mr Osei Tutu mentioned the lack of a means of transport and inadequate office furniture and equipment as some of the challenges facing the Tamale Office.

Mr Adam in response hinted that the Minister of Information, Mr Dan Botwe would soon be visiting the Region to interact with the Media and other organizations under the Ministry with the view to addressing some of their problems.

The Deputy Minister had earlier paid similar visits to the offices of Ghana Broadcasting Corporation's Radio Savanna, the Daily Graphic, Ghanaian Times and the three private FM Radio stations in the Tamale Metropolis. 11 April 05