The Western Regional Minister, Hon. Joseph Nelson, has commended the media for its immense contribution to national development, describing it as the most credible source of information for the public despite competition from social media.

Speaking at a media soiree organized by Ghana National Gas Company Limited at Alisa Hotel in Accra, the Minister said the media carries a heavy burden of informing the public daily and deserves recognition.

“You carry a heavy burden of having to share information with the public every day of the week, and we depend on you for everything that we know. Of course, today we have competition from social media, but the mainstream media is still the place where credible, good information is channeled for the benefit of the public,” he said.

“And so we hold you in high esteem. We appreciate you for the good job you do. I urge you to continue to do this great job for the benefit of Mother Ghana,” he added.

As host region for Ghana Gas, Hon. Nelson said he is proud that the company is being reset and doing great things for the country and the Western Region.

He however called for equitable distribution of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects, noting that in the past, projects were distributed to the disadvantage of the host region.

“I’m interested in the corporate social responsibility projects that come to the Western Region. In the past, we heard about how projects were distributed to the disadvantage of the host region. I believe that this time that is being corrected,” he noted.

“Ghana Gas is a national asset, and so we are not saying that because we are in the Western Region, everything must come to us. It must be equitable, and I think that that is what the people will always ask for. Once you do that, I think that all of us will be happy,” he stressed.

The Minister also welcomed Ghana Gas’s plans to venture into agriculture, describing it as a critical tool to tackle youth unemployment.

He appealed to the management of Ghana Gas to involve the Regional Coordinating Council at the planning stage of CSR projects to ensure they are sited where they will best serve the people.

Report by Bernard K Dadzie Greater Accra Region