Bolgatanga, Jan. 8, GNA- The Upper East Regional Minister, Mr. Mahami Salifu, on Wednesday commended journalists in the region for their dedication to duty and hard work in spite of lack of logistics. He observed that journalists in the region are disadvantaged in terms of exposure to modern technology in news processing, such as the use of Internet facilities, computers and even means of transport, as compared to their colleagues in the southern Ghana.

He said although these facilities are not available, journalists work tirelessly to cover events in the rural communities. The Regional Minister said this at a press soiree organised by the Regional Co-ordinating Council (RCC) for journalists and their supporting staff from the various media houses in the region. He said the government recognizes the vital role the media plays in the advancement of the country's democratic dispensation, and places premium on the work of journalists.

He added that government would continue to ensure that the media operate in an atmosphere of freedom as guaranteed by the 1992 constitution. "Government would do everything in its capacity to ensure that the press operates in a conducive environment".

Mr. Salifu said although the RCC has its limitations in terms of support, it would do what it could to find solutions to the numerous problems facing the media in the region.

The Regional Chairman of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Mr Mohammed Nurudeen Issahaq, described the occasion as a forum for stock taking and an opportunity to strengthen the relationship between the RCC and the press in the region.

He said during the previous year, journalists in the region discharged their duties with "remarkable professionalism" because there were no complaints such as misconduct on the party of any of the members.

He however, expressed concern about the attitude of some members towards the Association's meetings, and urged them to show greater interest in the affairs of the Association to enable it to move forward. Mr. Issahaq cautioned his colleagues against biased reportage, and urged them to observe the fundamental principles of truth, fairness and objectivity in all circumstances.

"As this year's general election draws nearer, journalists are faced with a great responsibility because the very stability of the nation lies in our hands. We have to exercise a lot of circumspection in our effort to convey messages from the various political parties to the public, so that we do not undermine the peace and security of our society," he said.

The Regional Director of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), Mr. Adam Kockra, noted that direct demands on government to resource the various state-owned media is inappropriate, and that the right thing is for government to resource the National Media Commission (NMC), which would in turn ensure that the media houses were well equipped to discharge their functions efficiently.

He suggested that at the regional level the media could lobby the various District Assemblies, Members of Parliament and NGOs for assistance.

Mr Kockra called on the RCC to institute measures to halt the activities of land litigants and some legal practitioners who allegedly incite people to seek compensation from government departments for building offices on their lands.