Use of radio for peace, conflict prevention – Oppong Nkrumah
The Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has called on stakeholders within the radio industry to use their platforms to help in promoting peace and unity particularly in areas prone to conflicts.
He said radio had proven to be a valuable tool in conflict prevention and nation building hence, stakeholders must rely on it to bring people together and foster a sense of community.
The minister made the call at the commemoration of the World Radio Day in Accra yesterday, on the theme “Radio and Peace; To Underscore the Place of Radio in Conflict Prevention and Peace Building.”
“On this World Radio Day, here at the Ministry of Information, we also celebrate the industry and its work over the years,” Mr Nkrumah said
He urged media houses that operated particularly in areas where conflicts might arise such as Bawku and other places to ensure peace.
“I’m sure you are familiar with the stories of how media houses or radio sometimes has contributed to the conflict instead of helping to bring about peace in those places,” he added.
He reminded media practitioners who operated in places where sometimes tensions might rise, that they had a particular responsibility to help in the exercise to bring peace and unity and not necessarily fuel it.
The minister emphasised that radio had a unique ability of reaching diverse people across different cultures and when relied upon, could be used to promote dialogue, promote understanding and unity as well as provide a platform for diverse voices to be heard.
Mr Oppong Nkrumah encouraged the public to rely on radio as a major source of information, while also contributing their quota towards a more peaceful and unified society.
World Radio Day was declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 2011 and has since become a global celebration, with events and activities taking place in over 100 countries.
The day serves as an opportunity for the radio industry, governments, non-governmental organisations, and the public to come together and celebrate the impact that radio has had on society.
BY TIMES REPORTER
