MINISTER URGES COMMUNITIES TO SET UP FM STATIONS

The Minister of Communications Mr.. Ekwow Spio Garbrah, has called on district assemblies, private individuals and organisations to pull their resources to establish community FM stations. He said the government is moving away from public ownership of media institutions and would readily grant a license to any community wishing to operate an FM station. Mr.. Spio Garbrah made the call at a meeting of the staff of the agencies under his ministry at Wa during a visit to the Upper West Region. He said the government is expected to reduce its budget deficit to zero by the year 2001 and is therefore not in a position to shoulder any additional development budget. Mr.. Spio Garbrah asked the staff to maintain equipment under their control. He advised them to explore ways of generating revenue to support their operations in order to reduce their over - dependance on government subvention. The Regional Minister Alhaji Amidu Sulemana, called on the Graphic and New Times Corporation to ensure that their newspapers are delivered in the Region early enough to boost sales. He observed that the low circulation figures being recorded by the two dailies in the region stem from their 24 hours late delivery. End

The Minister of Communications Mr.. Ekwow Spio Garbrah, has called on district assemblies, private individuals and organisations to pull their resources to establish community FM stations. He said the government is moving away from public ownership of media institutions and would readily grant a license to any community wishing to operate an FM station. Mr.. Spio Garbrah made the call at a meeting of the staff of the agencies under his ministry at Wa during a visit to the Upper West Region. He said the government is expected to reduce its budget deficit to zero by the year 2001 and is therefore not in a position to shoulder any additional development budget. Mr.. Spio Garbrah asked the staff to maintain equipment under their control. He advised them to explore ways of generating revenue to support their operations in order to reduce their over - dependance on government subvention. The Regional Minister Alhaji Amidu Sulemana, called on the Graphic and New Times Corporation to ensure that their newspapers are delivered in the Region early enough to boost sales. He observed that the low circulation figures being recorded by the two dailies in the region stem from their 24 hours late delivery. End