Africa-Press – Ghana. The Central Regional Office of the Information Services Department (ISD) received two state-of-the-art Mobile Information Vans (MIVs) on Thursday to enhance the government’s communication policies and programmes directly to remote communities.
Equipped with public address systems, LCD screens, projectors and internet connectivity, the vans enabled live broadcasts and interactive sessions.
Each can cover up to 200 kilometres daily, hosting town hall meetings, policy forums and feedback sessions to boost public participation.
Procured under the government’s digital communication strategy, the MIVs mark a major upgrade from static billboards and radio spots.
They will disseminate accurate information on key initiatives, including free or reduced-cost education support such as free tertiary education for persons with disabilities and the “no fees stress” first-year tertiary initiative, along with health interventions like the Ghana Medical Care Trust (MahamaCares).
Others are expanded healthcare access, infrastructure-led development via the “Big Push” policy and district-level financing through the District Assemblies Common Fund for projects like schools, sanitary facilities and community centres.
At a brief handing over ceremony, Mr Ekow Panyin Okyere Eduamoah, Central Regional Minister emphasised the vans’ role in bridging the information gap between government and citizens.
“These vans will serve as mobile platforms to explain government policies, programmes and interventions clearly to our people, while providing a channel for feedback to policymakers,” he said.
The Minister urged the ISD to use the vehicles strictly for intended purposes, including efficient information dissemination, public education campaigns, community outreach and official duties across the region.
He called for a disciplined maintenance culture with routine checks, timely repairs and responsible usage to prevent breakdowns, extend lifespan, cut costs and ensure reliable service, ultimately strengthening the ISD’s contributions to regional development and public engagement.
Mrs Lily Bempong, Regional Information Officer, described the commissioning as an important milestone in bringing governance closer to the people.
In a region with many rural communities, she noted, the vans were powerful tools for engagement, education and empowerment.
Of the 40 vans imported nationwide, she said the Central Region received three to improve local governance communication.
To enhance efficiency, she explained that seven districts and municipalities have been zoned into clusters, each with a designated head or centre where a van is stationed for swift deployment.
Mrs Bempong stressed that security was a shared responsibility and the vans would promote through sensitisation on crime prevention, conflict resolution, disaster preparedness and emergency response to build resilient communities.
“As we unveil these vans today, let us renew our commitment to using them effectively and responsibly,” she said.
“The true value of this investment lies not just in the vehicles themselves, but in the impact, they will have on the lives of our people. I therefore urge all stakeholders district assemblies, traditional authorities, community leaders, and the media to cooperate and collaborate with the ISD to maximize their use for the benefits of all.”
For More News And Analysis About Ghana Follow Africa-Press
