Sandema(UER), April 01, GNA - Mrs Agnes Chigabatia, Deputy Upper East Regional Minister on Monday inaugurated Builsa Community Radio at Sandema with a call on the management to use it as a rallying point for unity, trust, harmony and progress in all human endeavours. "Radio Builsa is a vital instrument for development and should be used creatively and responsibly to educate, entertain and inform the people on relevant attitudinal changes that promote social harmony, popular participation in decision making and accountability at all levels of society in the district," she added.

Mrs Chigabatia was joined by Dr Marius Haas, German Ambassador to Ghana and Mrs Evelyn Decorps, Deputy Head of Mission of French Embassy to unveil a plaque.

It was established by Foundation for Integrated and Strategic Development (FISTRAD) an NGO and jointly financed by German and French Embassies in Ghana at a cost of 14,000 Ghana cedis.

She was optimistic the radio station would benefit the people tremendously as it would promote decentralization and inform the people on government policies and programmes.

"Issues on education, health, poverty alleviation, sanitation and community development would be effectively communicated to the people in the local dialect to improve their living standards," she added. Mrs Chigabatia suggested that concerns about the environment, bush fires, outmoded traditional practices, female genital mutilation, funeral rites and excessive alcohol consumption should be given priority to educate the people and influence them positively to improve their lives.

She cautioned the management against politicising their programmes and ensured that it remained neutral and balanced in its operations and reportage.

Mr Richard Alandu, Executive Director of FISTRAD said the radio station as a tool to create awareness and educate the people on their rights and responsibilities would open a new chapter in the development of Builsa District.

He expressed appreciation to German and French Governments for their support and appealed to them to help the station expand coverage to reach the entire district.

Dr Haas on behalf of the financiers said it was their contribution to poverty alleviation and was optimistic that the radio station would enhance civil education in rural areas, enlighten and empower the people to make meaningful contribution to the district's development. 01 April 08

Attention recipients, item 01 ends first cast.