The former Regional Chairman of the Ghana Journalists Association Volta/Oti Chapter, Emmanuel Agbaxode, has appealed to stakeholders, corporate organisations, and development partners to provide urgent financial assistance towards the completion of the Volta Press Centre in Ho.
According to him, the project, which is currently under construction, must not be abandoned at its present stage because of its importance to journalism development in the region.
Mr Agbaxode made the appeal during the 2026 World Press Freedom Day at the Ho Press Centre.
He commended the Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, and other stakeholders for their commitment and contributions towards the construction of the facility.
“Let me commend Mr James Gunu, the Volta Regional Minister, and other stakeholders for their forthrightness and contributions toward the construction of the facility, which is a bold commitment to journalism development in the region,” he stated.
Mr Agbaxode expressed optimism that with sustained support, the Press Centre would become a modern hub for media practice in the Volta Region and equip journalists to effectively discharge their duties.
He therefore called on government agencies, civil society organisations, corporate bodies, and development partners to contribute towards the completion of the facility, stressing that investing in a well-resourced press centre was essential to strengthening democracy and promoting freedom of expression.
“We need to come together as a family to champion this together. It is my hope that very soon, many who have pledged will fulfil their promises. Our doors are still open for more support to complete this building,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Volta Regional Executive Secretary of the National Peace Council, Dr David Esinu Yao Normanyo, who delivered the keynote address, called on journalists to embrace peace journalism as a tool for promoting sustainable national development.
Dr Normanyo noted that although Ghana ranked 61st globally and seventh in Sub-Saharan Africa in the 2025 Global Peace Index, localised tensions such as land disputes and chieftaincy conflicts continued to threaten peace and development.
He proposed the establishment of a Ghana Peace Index that would rank all 16 regions and 261 Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) based on peacefulness to guide targeted interventions and strengthen conflict prevention efforts.
The event, held under the theme “Shaping a Future of Peace,” brought together government officials, media practitioners, and other dignitaries to reflect on press freedom and its critical role in national development.
By: Daniel Orlando/newsalertgh.com
