By: KALD|Voltaonlinegh.com|
Work has begun on the construction of a multipurpose Press centre for the Volta region chapter of the Ghana Journalist Association (GJA-Volta) in Ho.
The project which is in two phases, has phase one being a recreational facility, comprising a bar/restaurant, washrooms, an office, store and a pavilion; while the second phase would have an office complex with a conference facility, an e-library and guestrooms.
The phase one estimated at the cost of GHS 60,000 is scheduled for completion in a month’s time for onward commissioning on May 3, 2019 to commemorate this year’s World Press Freedom Day and the 70th anniversary of the Ghana Journalist Association.
Mr. Anthony Bells Kafui Kanyi, chairman of GJA-Volta, speaking at the sod cutting ceremony on Tuesday, said the project was a dream-come-true, which, when completed would provide a conducive meeting point for media practitioners from both Volta and Oti regions, and also be an income generating venture for the association.
According to him, “the project here is for the whole of the Volta region, and you know we have some of our colleagues in Oti [region], sometimes they may come around so that they can rest here. The facility would help improve the brand of GJA and help generate income for the association.”
He thanked donors and partners who have contributed so far towards the project and appealed for more support from members as well as benevolent individuals and organizations towards early completion of the project.
Madam Elizabeth Ohene, a veteran journalist and former minister of state, who performed the sod cutting, expressed delight at the project and lauded the foresight of the leadership the GJA-Volta for initiating the project.
She was optimistic the facility when completed would be a training centre for young journalists to sharpen their skills in telling the true story of the Volta region.
Mr. Roland Affail Monney, national president of GJA who also graced the occasion described the project as ‘historic’ and commended the leadership of GJA-Volta for the initiative.
He said the region, having produced some of the best journalists in the country, has become a standard measure and reference point for other regional chapters of the association.
“Volta region as far as the GJA is concerned, is a reference point and a standard measure for all the Chapters of the GJA. And this is because of the fact that Volta Region has produced and continue to produce some of the finest journalists in the whole country,” Mr. Monney stated.
The Volta Regional Minister, Dr. Archibald Letsa who was present with the Ho Municipal Chief Executive, Mr. Nelson Akorlie, pledged the support of the Regional Coordinating Council and all local assemblies in the region towards the project.
He however admonished media practitioners to be neutral, fair and balanced in their reportage at all times.
Mr. Dela Gadzanku, president of the Volta/Eastern chapter of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) chaired the function which also had a representative of the Volta Caucus in parliament and MP for South Dayi, Mr. Rockson Defeamkpor.
Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com