Africa-Press – Ghana. Mr Donatus Akamugri Atanga, the Upper East Regional Minister, has reaffirmed government’s commitment to repositioning the Information Services Department (ISD) into a modern, technology-driven institution to enhance public communication and deepen citizen participation in governance.
The Minister made this known when he handed over three multi-purpose modern information vans to the Upper East Regional Directorate of the ISD on behalf of the government.
The vans are part of 40 audiovisual vans imported into the country as part of a pilot project to strengthen and modernise the operations of the ISD to enable it deliver on its mandate and strengthen community engagement and participation.
Each of the vans is fitted with modern public address systems and dual digital side screens to support public education, advertisements, and real-time information dissemination, particularly in hard-to-reach communities.
Additionally, the region received logistics including 16 desktop computers, 16 internet routers for distribution across the 15 districts and the regional office, and a laptop for the Regional Director.
At a short handing-over ceremony held in Bolgatanga, the Regional Minister said the intervention formed part of deliberate efforts to transform the ISD from a traditional civil service outfit into a dynamic institution capable of effectively communicating government policies and programmes.
He explained that the reforms included restructuring measures that have repositioned the ISD closer to the Presidency to improve coordination, efficiency, and ensure timely and accurate dissemination of information to the public.
“This intervention is not an isolated effort, but part of a broader reform agenda aimed at strengthening governance communication and enhancing citizen engagement,” he stated.
Mr Atanga noted that the provision of the vans, alongside the other logistics, demonstrated government’s commitment to equipping the Department with the tools required to deliver on its mandate.
To improve operational efficiency and outreach, the region has been zoned into three strategic areas, namely central, eastern, and western, with the vans to be stationed in Bolgatanga, Zebilla and Navrongo respectively.
The Minister said the zoning arrangement would ensure equitable access to information, enhance government outreach, and promote transparency and inclusiveness in governance.
“In an era where timely, accurate and accessible information is critical, this intervention will significantly strengthen citizen participation, especially in rural communities,” he added.
Receiving the vans, Kuoro Bennin Douri Issifu, the Upper East Regional Director of the ISD, described the initiative as a major milestone in efforts to bring governance closer to the people.
He said the intervention was even more critical to the Upper East Region, where most communities are rural and hard-to-reach, and residents find it difficult to access information on government policies and interventions.
“These vans are not just vehicles; they are powerful tools for engagement, education and empowerment,” he said, noting that they would serve as mobile platforms to explain government policies while also providing feedback channels for citizens.
The Regional Director emphasised that the two-way communication enabled by the vans was essential for inclusive and sustainable development, as it would allow citizens to better understand policies and actively contribute to governance processes.
He added that beyond governance communication, the vans would support public education in areas such as health, agriculture, security, and environmental protection, thereby improving livelihoods and community resilience.
The ISD, he assured, remained committed to leveraging the new tools with professionalism and innovation to strengthen public trust and participation in governance across the region.
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