In a bid to bridge the information gap between government and citizens, the Western Regional Minister, Mr. Joseph Nelson, has officially handed over three brand-new Outdoor Broadcast vans to the Western Regional Director of the Information Services Department (ISD), Mr. Thomas Tabiri.
The colorful ceremony, held at the Regional Coordinating Council premises, marked a major step in revitalizing public communication across the region’s sprawling districts and hard-to-reach communities.
Addressing a small crowd of municipal directors, ISD staff, and local press, Mr. Nelson didn’t hide his expectations.
“Thomas, I am handing over these vans with my full trust. But let me be clear — these are not for weddings, not for funerals, not for running private errands,” the Minister said, his voice firm yet warm.
“These vans must be used for their intended purpose: to take information to the doorstep of every Western Region citizen. Information about government policies, health campaigns, agricultural tips, and educational programs.”
He added, “I don’t want to hear stories of these vehicles parked under trees or turned into ‘school vans’ by the roadside. Make good use of them. The people need to know what we are doing for them.”
Mr. Thomas Tabiri, who has led the regional ISD for just over a year, received the vehicles with visible gratitude.
“For too long, our field officers have relied on motorbikes and even foot travel to share radio scripts, posters, and announcements. Three functional vans will multiply our reach,” Tabiri explained.
Each van is equipped with public address systems and space for mobile community engagement teams.
The plan, according to Tabiri, is to deploy them to three major zones the northern belt, the coastal corridor, and the mining-impacted districts where rumors often spread faster than official announcements.
Minister Nelson didn’t hide that his caution comes from experience. He recalled previous government assets that reportedly “went missing” in the system.
“We have seen vehicles given for public service end up as personal taxis. That will not happen under my watch. I will personally inspect logs and ask for monthly community engagement reports,” he warned.
For his part, Mr. Tabiri promised transparency. “We will maintain a daily movement diary, and the public is invited to report any misuse. These vans belong to the people of Western Region.”
The first deployment is already scheduled for next week, targeting four remote farming communities that have not hosted a government information team in over a year. Topics will include free senior high school enrollment, childhood vaccination drives, and small business support programs.
As the ceremony wrapped up, Mr. Nelson handed the keys to Mr. Tabiri, shook his hand, and quipped, “Don’t make me come looking for these vans in a chief’s funeral procession.”
Laughter filled the courtyard. But behind the smiles, the message was clear information is power, and these outdoor Broadcast vans must deliver it.
By Ebenezer Atiemo
