Empower community radio stations to strengthen public engagement – Former Sports Minister

Former Sports Minister and Chair of the La Mansaamo Kpee Development Association, Major (Rtd) Amarkai Amarteifio, has urged authorities to provide greater support for community radio stations. At the anniversary celebration of Latenu Radio on Saturday, September 26, he highlighted how these broadcasters play a crucial role in bringing national issues to the attention of local audiences and facilitating public engagement.

Major (Rtd) Amarteifio argued that empowering these stations would enhance the exchange of information between authorities and the communities they serve. He emphasized that community radios should be encouraged and provided with additional resources. "They (community radios) should be encouraged; they have done so well. They should be given more resources," he said.

"I agree that the local people need to understand the policies in their language rather than getting the information second-hand. They should also be free to express themselves to the authorities without insult or dispute," he added. The former sports official's call for increased support for community radio stations formed part of the festivities marking Latenu Radio's anniversary, which also underscored the importance of local radio in preserving language and sharing community history.