The Volta Press Centre project has taken off in Ho.
The GH¢60,000 project is expected to be completed in May, this year.
The ground-breaking ceremony was performed at the site on Tuesday by Madam Elizabeth Ohene, a renowned journalist and former minister of state responsible for tertiary education.
She commended the Volta branch of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) for the bold initiative, saying that the facility will definitely serve as a source of intellectual stimulation for the association’s members and also benefit the public in various ways.
Madam Ohene urged the Volta GJA to take a firm stance to ensure that its members uphold the highest standard of journalism always and cautioned that “our mistakes do no hide, unlike the other professions.”
She noted that some journalists in recent time twisted stories to make them popular before the public and pointed out that “celebrity journalists are a new phenomenon” which did not conform to the ethics of the profession.
The truth, she said, must be told as it was without fear and favour.
Madam Ohene expressed the hope that the press centre, when completed would also provide a platform for young people to have their voices heard.
“It is not only old people who have knowledge. We can learn from young people as well,” she insisted.
Madam Ohene urged the Volta GJA to commit greater zeal and resources towards highlighting the natural beauty of the region to boost tourism in the area.
She entreated members of the Volta GJA to contribute towards the project in various ways to ensure its early completion.
The Regional Minister, Dr Archibald Yao Letsa, paid glowing tribute to the Volta GJA for the noble venture and pledged the Volta Regional Coordinating Council’s support for the project which he described as a worthy cause which would serve generations yet unborn.
Dr Letsa advised radio morning show hosts to demonstrate professionalism by maintaining a politically neutral position during their shows.
“Serve the nation and not any political party,” he added.
The president of the GJA, Mr Affail Monney, said that the project was yet another testimony to the fact the Volta GJA was a trail blazer and “a standard measure for all the chapters of the GJA.”
Earlier, Mr Kafui Kanyi, chairman of the Volta GJA, said that the first phase of the project, when completed, would have a pavilion, bar, restaurant, offices, store and washrooms.
According to him, the second phase which would take off later would have a modern conference facility, e-library and guestroom among other features.
Meanwhile, Mr Osmond Agbo, site manager of Yandeg Compnay Limited, the contractors, has assured that the project would be completed in May this year as scheduled.
FROM ALBERTO MARIO NORETTI, HO
Pix: 1. Madam Elizabeth Ohene performing the sod-cutting ceremony while Mr Monney (left), Mr Rockson Dafeamekpor, MP for South Dayi (second left), Mr Dela Gadzanku (right), Dr Letsa (second right) and Mr Kanyi look on. 2. Mr Kanyi (right) taking Madam Ohene and other guest through the project’s plan. 3. An artist’s impression of the Volta Press Centre
