Peace FM, a popular Accra-based radio station, last Sunday rounded off its 10th anniversary celebration with a church service at World Miracle International Chapel, Dzorwulu, Accra.
A highlight of that function was the presentation of a brief history of Peace FM by the Director of Programs, Mad. Afia Konadu; She stated that the station was a dream-child of Mr. Osei Kwame Despite and became a reality on May 25, 1999 when the first music was played on-air of frequency 104.3MHz.
The objective was to �demonstrate singular support for the local music industry which was on a rapid decline then, put Ghanaian culture above all else and use over 70% airtime to broadcast programs in the Twi language.� Mad. Afia Konadu noted that the concept, contents and service delivery from Peace FM�s hard-working staff made the station an instant hit. That subsequently led to radio stations outside Accra entering into agreements with Peace FM to rebroadcast a number of its innovative programs.
She noted that Peace FM had as part of its tenth anniversary celebrations carried out activities including a soccer tournament.at EI-Wak stadium, a blood donation exercise, a blood donation exercise at the station�s premises, and a sponsored health walk at McCarthy Hill which was preceded by a musical float. Guest of honour at the service was Hon. Mrs. Zita Okaikoi, Minister of Information. The sermon was delivered by Bishop Charles Agyin Asare, founder of World Miracle Chapel.
Those present at the anniversary church service included Mr. Osei Kwame Despite, founder and CEO of Peace FM; Prof. Kofi Agyekum of the University of Ghana; Mr. Ofori Sarpong, a businessman; Mr. Fadda Dickson, Director of Finance and Administration at Peace FM; and Mr. Kwesi Brenya, General Manager, Peace FM. Mrs. Okaikoi reminded the media that many wars and conflicts on the African continent had been started because of pronouncements in the media, particularly the radio. The Minister stressed that radio was a powerful tool and should be used to promote education of the citizenry and the propagation of truth. The media should not be used to plunge Ghana into chaos through the airing of stories that could cause factional unrest.
Mrs. Okaikoi hoped Peace FM would continue with the successes it had achieved in its first ten years and pledged her support for the development of a free and fair media in Ghana. Bishop Charles Agyin Asare in his sermon called on the media to promote peace and good governance by holding government, institutions and citizens accountable He also urged the media to deliver complete, balanced and fair as �one-side of a story is never enough.�
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