The Central Regional Minister, Hon. Ekow Panyin Eduamoah Okyere, has cautioned staff of the Information Service Department to ensure that newly donated official vans are used strictly for their intended purpose and not for transporting foodstuffs such as cassava, plantain, or other goods.
Speaking in an interview with the press, the Minister expressed concern that government vehicles, including ambulances in some instances, are often misused for activities such as carrying cement and other unauthorised items.
He explained that the Ministry of Communications, as part of efforts to strengthen public information delivery, has provided three vehicles to the Information Service Department to improve the dissemination of government programmes and policies across the region.
Hon. Okyere emphasised that the initiative forms part of President John Dramani Mahama’s commitment to ensuring that government information reaches every community in the Central Region.
He urged staff to handle the vehicles responsibly and maintain them properly to extend their lifespan.
The Minister also appealed to residents to help monitor the use of the vans and report any cases of misuse, particularly instances where they are used to transport goods to rural or hinterland areas.
He further expressed gratitude to President Mahama for fulfilling campaign promises by equipping Information Service Departments nationwide and called for continued support to enhance their operations.
Receiving the vehicles, the Central Regional Director of the Information Service Department, Madam Linda Bimpong Esq., assured that the vans would be properly maintained and used strictly for official duties.
She noted that the department had long awaited the arrival of such vehicles to improve efficiency in delivering government information across the region.
According to her, the vans will play a key role in explaining government policies and initiatives in simple terms, while also educating communities on issues such as sanitation, employment, agriculture, and other development programmes aimed at improving livelihoods.
Madam Bimpong added that the timing of the donation is ideal, as it will help the department carry out its mandate more effectively and as intended.