The Chairman of the National Media Commission (NMC), Mr Kabral Blay-Amihere, has cautioned radio stations to be mindful of the impact of the spoken word and ensure that the airwaves are not used to foment discord and disunity in the country. In a speech read on his behalf by Mr Elvis Aryeh, a member of the commission, at the launch of the 10th anniversary of Adom FM in Accra last Tuesday, the NMC chairman urged all concerned that what was said on the airwaves should promote peace and not instability, rancour or bitterness. Mr Blay-Amihere pointed out that the challenges that faced the media in Ghana were many and complex, adding that Ghana had become a beacon of hope for the whole of Africa as it was in the early days of independence under Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah. “At the height of the struggle for liberation from colonial rule, many looked up to us for support and guidance. Today, they look up to us for direction and inspiration in many aspects of good governance," Mr Blay-Amihere noted. He said for an institution like Adom FM, the celebration should also be the time for great reflection and introspection on what had been done in the last 10 years and what it could do better in the coming years. The NMC chairman said other issues, including community education, health, provision of social amenities and related issues outside the realm of politics, should engage the attention of radio stations as the country pursued the agenda for development. The Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Adom/Asempa Division of the Multimedia Group Limited, Mr Klaus Vonbackustein, said as a business unit, the launch of the anniversary symbolised a magnificent milestone, since the station commenced operations 10 years ago with many industry analysts doubting its viability. He said 10 years ago, the format of using Akan as the sole language for programming was considered a complete waste of resources, while many dismissed the prospects of investing in a radio business that targeted the mass market. Mr Vonbackustein said Adom FM had grown within the past 10 years, with some of its programmes becoming the industry benchmark. The year-long celebration was launched by Reverend Hansel Frimpong of the Word Miracle Church International. Source: Daily Graphic/Ghana